A CHRISTMAS light switch-on in a popular County Durham coastal town has been forced to cancel tonight’s festivities after 75 mile per hour wind and torrential rain is forecasted for the region.
On what was supposed to be a Christmas extravaganza for the town of Seaham has today become a wash-out after the town council made the “extremely tough decision” to cancel the event completely.
Termed as ‘Seaham Christmas Parade 2021’, the event was set to include food stalls, a Christmas market, a band, kids rides, Santa’s Grotto and the main showcase of the annual light switch-on.
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However, with Storm Arwen scheduled to batter the County Durham region today and into the weekend, Seaham Town Council announced that this year’s event would not be going ahead, due to a “risk of injury or danger to life”.
In the forecast, Storm Arwen will bring high northerly winds southwards across Scotland during Friday, and, in the evening, the highest winds will become confined to North East England early Saturday.
Gusts of up to 65-75 miles per hour are expected in coastal areas, including Seaham.
In a statement released on Friday morning, Seaham Town Council said: “Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our Christmas Light Switch On this evening.
“Due to Storm Arwen hitting the North East this afternoon and evening, with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning stating flying debris and other high risks are likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life.
“The planned fireworks and all the electrics involved with the sound system and lights for the event would also have been compromised.
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“We are very disappointed to have to do this but hope you will try and get down another time to look at the Christmas lights on Church Street and Terrace Green.”
Moving forward, parts of County Durham have been put on amber and red weather warnings for wind and snow at the end of November and into December.
The Met Office has advised people to check the weather forecast and weather warnings in place in their area.
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