Redcar Christmas Light switch on cancelled - due to Storm Bert worries

As Teesside prepares for Storm Bert this weekend - Redcar and Cleveland council say they're taking precautions in case of bad weather

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 22nd Nov 2024

Redcar and Cleveland council say they've been forced to cancel this weekend's Christmas light switch on - due to fears over Storm Bert.

Winds of up to 45 miles an hour are predicted to hit the Teesside coastline on Sunday - when Redcar's light switch on was supposed to happen.

The council say;

"This means that not only are we are unable to set our stage up, but that the conditions are unsafe for our parade participants and audiences.

"Unfortunately, the structures and stages used for the event are not available for us to reschedule the Redcar event before Christmas.

"Our events team are now working incredibly hard to try and move some of the fantastic entertainment and performances to Christmas events across the borough, including moving the amazing Illumination parade to Guisborough’s Christmas festivities on December 3..

"We know how hard all our artists and community groups have worked on their costumes and lanterns and we are looking for ways we can get them on display.

"Events like this take months and months of planning but sometimes they fall foul of elements outside our control. We appreciate many of our residents will be disappointed and we are so sad that we are unable to put on a great event for all the family.

"Please note that Santa’s Grotto, Fat Cat Brass and Fairy Godmother and the Lumi Stilt Walkers will now be at Kirkleatham Museum on Sunday. Also, street entertainers Urban Kaos will now perform at Kirkleatham Museum's annual Christmas Market on Saturday 30 November."

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