Christmas market postponed amid weather warnings

A number of Christmas markets have been postponed amid warnings of severe weather this weekend during Storm Darragh.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council said its cancellation was "disappointing news" for everyone, but the safety of traders, staff and the public took priority.

CJ Events said its markets in Rugby and Warwick on Saturday, and Leamington on Sunday, were also off "due to the storm".

A yellow Met Office wind warning is in place in the area, with damage to buildings, closed roads and bridges, falling trees, power cuts and flying debris all possible.

Storm Darragh is forecast to arrive from the west on Friday evening, hitting Wales and Bristol first, and then to continue throughout Saturday and possibly into Sunday, affecting much of the UK.

Winds speeds are forecast to exceed 60mph, which is considered a danger to life, the council said.

"This is extremely disappointing news for all, however, the safety of our traders, staff and the public must be at the forefront of all decisions," Stratford council said in a statement.

Alternative arrangements are being made to run the market, with details still to be confirmed.

The second Christmas market in the town is still scheduled to take place on the following weekend of 14 and 15 December as planned, the council said.

A rare red weather warning covers parts of Wales, the Bristol Channel and Bristol on Saturday.

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