Newark Town Council announce cancellation of town’s Christmas Light Switch-On event over Storm Bert safety concerns
Due to forecasts of strong winds Newark’s Christmas light switch-on event will no longer be going ahead as planned this weekend.
The town’s lights will still be switched on on Sunday, but the usual countdown, fairground rides, performances, and outdoor market due to take place on Sunday, November 24, have been cancelled.
The country is forecast to be hit by Storm Bert over the weekend, with a number of weather warnings issued by the Met Office for snow and ice.
Newark Town Council said it was “deeply saddened” to have had to take the decision to call off major parts of the event, but that it was necessary to ensure safety.
It stated: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that due to the likely impact of Storm Bert and associated weather warnings the Christmas Lights Switch On event this Sunday will not be going ahead.”
“The strong wind gusts forecast are a cause of safety concerns for the stage production team both during the event and the planned stage construction period which was due to get underway on Saturday. Traders that were due to be using gazebos are also compromised. Some of the fairground rides planned are also unable to operate with the wind speeds that are forecast.
“We are very mindful of the safety and comfort of all traders, staff, visitors, and performers alike and for an event with typically a very large attendance, safety has to be paramount.”
The artisan market in the Buttermarket will still go ahead this weekend, and the lights will be turned on at a “suitable time”, but without the usual fanfare.
Much of the other entertainment will instead take place on December 8, in conjunction with the Steampunk and Christmas market activities that day.
The town council added: “We are deeply saddened by this decision which has been taken based on discussions with and advice from various agencies. A lot of work goes into events like this and the decision has not been taken lightly.
“We do hope to welcome many of you for the Steampunk and Christmas market weekend scheduled for December 7 and 8.”
