New Year's events cancelled due to poor weather

Severe weather warnings have led to the cancellation of events organised to celebrate the new year in the North East and Cumbria.

Firework displays on Tuesday night in Newcastle and Gateshead, and a New Year's Day 'dip' in Derwentwater are among the events that will not go ahead as planned.

A yellow warning for wind is in place until 23:00 GMT on Tuesday, with the Met Office urging people to take care.

Organisers of the impacted public gatherings say they are not willing to risk the safety of those hoping to attend, or implementing, their events.

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said strong and gusty winds meant it was too risky to go ahead with two fireworks shows which were due to take place on the Quayside.

He said it was a "tough" decision, but "safety always comes first", adding: "We hope everyone can still find ways to safely welcome 2025 with family and friends."

Elsewhere, hundreds of people were expected to take part in the third annual New Year's Day Dip in Derwentwater.

Organisers at the Lake District Calvert Trust said the safety of staff and participants was "paramount" as they confirmed the event's cancellation and pledged that it would return next year "with bells on".

Redcar animal rescue organisation SARA confirmed it had also postponed its annual New Year's dip in Saltburn.

"This is a great fun event but we have to take everyone's safety first and foremost," it said in a social media post.

The charity said it was looking to reschedule the event.

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