Christmas Events cancelled in Northampton due to Storm Darragh
Wind speeds of over 50mph are predicted this weekend
Christmas activities are to move inside due to extreme weather forecast this weekend.
A yellow weather warning for strong winds are in place across the weekend due to Storm Darragh with predictions from the Met Office that wind speeds could reach 56mph on Saturday 7th December.
A day of Christmas activities planned for Northampton Market Square on Saturday, 7 December, will relocate to the Grosvenor shopping centre due to extreme weather conditions forecast for the day, with events in Becket's Park cancelled.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has partnered with Northampton BID and Northampton Town Council (NTC) to ensure that festive fun continues in the town centre, and all acts originally booked for the Market Square will now perform in the Grosvenor Centre as part of Northampton BID’s Grotto event from 11am to 3pm. Should the weather improve, performers will venture onto the Market Square, which will be open as usual, to bring Christmas cheer to visitors.
Acts will include playful elves performing stilt-walking, juggling, and face-painting, bringing smiles to all. A mischievous, Grinch-inspired character will also make an appearance, offering picture-perfect moments as they spread holiday cheer.
In addition, Northampton Town Council has cancelled their event at Becket’s Park, also scheduled for 7 December. The council is working closely with acts and vendors to explore the possibility of them joining the Market Square events on either 14 or 21 December, enhancing the festive offer for residents and visitors.
Discussions are also underway around relocating the ice rink originally planned for Becket’s Park to Northampton Market Square in January, with further details to be announced soon.
Councillor Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure said:
“The safety and wellbeing of our residents, visitors, and performers is our top priority which is why we’ve made the decision to move this Saturday’s festive activities indoors. This ensures everyone can still enjoy the holiday spirit in a warm, sheltered environment.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone this Saturday and invite residents to join us for our upcoming festive events on 14 and 21 December, and potentially for the ice rink in January.”
The MET Office say it's probably wise to hold off putting any Christmas decorations outside until next week.
Alex Deakin is one of their meteorologists:
"If you've still got your trampoline up from the summer, probably best to put that away. As for Christmas decorations the type of winds expected could cause issues if they're not secure so best to check those kind of things.
Double check things like lights are secure, we often get winds of up to 40mph a couple of times during winter season. It could gust a bit more than that so you don't want your lights half way down the street."