Christmas markets cancelled amid storm warnings

Three Christmas markets due to take place in Yorkshire over the weekend have been cancelled amid warnings of strong winds as Storm Darragh approaches the UK.

Leeds Christmas Market in City Square, as well as other attractions in nearby streets, would be closed on Saturday, but would reopen on Sunday, the city council said.

York's Christmas Market would also remain closed on Saturday as the forecast strong winds and heavy rain would create "unsafe conditions for both trading and visiting", organisers Make It York said.

Meanwhile, Malton Christmas Festival, due to be held on Saturday and Sunday, was completely cancelled due to the weather posing "a serious safety concern", organisers said.

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said the Christmas Market, as well as the Ice Cube rink and stalls and rides in Millennium Square, Cookridge Street and Victoria Gardens, would all remain closed on Saturday.

The Wheel of Light illuminated big wheel would also not be running, while the Artisan Market on Bond Court would be closed for the whole weekend due to the forecast storm, she said.

People were asked to check social media updates by Visit Leeds or Leeds City Council before visiting the market or events on Sunday.

The safety of staff and customers was the "priority", the spokeswoman added.

"All affected ice rink customers will be contacted directly with regards to refunds.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding," she said.

In a statement, Make It York said the forecast of heavy rain and winds of up to 55-57mph was behind the decision to keep the Christmas Market closed on Saturday.

"The safety of our traders, visitors, and staff remains our top priority," a spokesperson said.

"While this decision has been made independently, we are also aware other Christmas markets are closing in response to similar adverse weather conditions.

"We will review the forecast on Saturday afternoon and provide an update regarding trading on Sunday 8 December as soon as possible."

Announcing the cancellation of the weekend's Malton Christmas Festival, Mark Brayshaw, head of Visit Malton CIC, said: "While visitors to Christmas markets are typically prepared for cold temperatures and occasional rain, the forecast gale-force winds present a serious safety concern, especially as many of our traders rely on gazebos and a marquee.

"After closely monitoring the weather and consulting with our marquee supplier, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the event this weekend."

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning of wind for the coming weekend for some western parts of the country, meaning extreme weather is expected.

Meanwhile, a yellow warning for wind, meaning severe weather is possible, has been issued for many parts of the UK, including Yorkshire, running from 15:00 GMT on Friday until 06:00 GMT on Sunday.

A yellow warning for rain has also been issued for Yorkshire, running between 06:00 GMT and 23:59 GMT on Saturday.

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