Another Christmas lights switch on has been cancelled at the last minute. 

Christchurch Town Council said the “difficult” decision was made on Thursday evening because of the Met Office’s latest weather warning. 

It follows the decision to cancel the big switch on in Brewery Square, Dorchester.

Storm Bert is expected to bring heavy rain, snow and strong winds to large swathes of the country over the weekend with national severe weather warnings in place for Saturday and Sunday. 

The lights were due to be switched on during an event on Saturday evening, November 23 , in High Street and Saxon Square. 

Simon McCormack, chairman of the Christmas Working Group, said the town council is “incredibly disappointed” to have to cancel this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event. 

“We know how much it means to our community,” he added. “However, the safety of our residents, visitors, and event staff must come first. 

“Severe weather conditions predicted for Saturday would make hosting the event unsafe, but we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an even bigger and better event next year.” 

The Christmas lights across Christchurch will still light up the town as planned throughout the holiday season and will be switched on this Saturday, without the live event.  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come to the high street and Saxon Square to experience the festive charm, support businesses and celebrate the season in the safety of their own time. 

Andy Daish and Chris Farr directors of ORA Events, the organisers of the Switch-On, said in a statement: “As the first Christmas Lights Switch-On event we’ve organised for Christchurch, we’ve put our heart and soul into making it a magical experience for the community.  

“To have to cancel due to the severe weather forecast is incredibly disappointing. 

“However, safety always come first and we’re incredibly grateful for the support and understanding of everyone who was looking forward to the event.  

“This is only the beginning and we’re already channelling our efforts into making next year’s Switch-On even more spectacular.” 

Looking ahead, Christchurch Town Council is already preparing for the event’s return in 2025, with a date set for Saturday, November 22. 

Christchurch Town Council promises the event will be back “bigger and better than ever before”.