Lighting of lobster pot Christmas tree postponed

A forecast for wild weather has forced the postponement of an annual lights switch-on for a North Yorkshire town's "fishtive" Christmas tree.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds from Storm Darragh on the North Yorkshire coast between 06:00 GMT on Saturday and 06:00 on Sunday.

The lighting up of the 35ft (10.6m) tree in Filey, made from dozens of lobster pots, was due to take place on Saturday, but has been moved to 14 December.

Rex Harrison, event organiser, said: "The tree looks perfect, its all built, but the weather conditions for the weekend are predicted to be very poor."

Mr Harrison said the lighting up of the tree at Coble Landing had become a "big highlight in the calendar", attracting hundreds of spectators.

"It has become a town event with people coming from all over the country to see it, everyone gets involved," he said.

"It is now in its seventh year and this year it has 1,600 lights."

The lobster pot tree is topped with a leaping salmon instead of a traditional star, with funds raised during the switch-on event supporting local schools and sea cadets.

Mr Harrison said the event had raised more than £24,000 for the town since it started.

The rescheduled switch-on will be held at 17:00, with a fireworks display at 18:00.

The weather forecast has forced other postponements over the weekend in North Yorkshire, including Knaresborough Christmas Market.

"We are working hard to provide an alternative date and hope to have more news tomorrow," a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Malton Christmas Festival announced the cancellation of this weekend's Christmas Market.

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