Several events has been called off due to the weather
Adverse weather caused by Storm Bert has led the cancellation of several events in and around Greater Manchester today.
The Trafford Centre’s Tinsel Town Fairground has closed due to the ‘extreme weather’, while Tatton Park’s Yuletide event has also been cancelled. It comes after a number of Christmas lights switch-on events in and around the city-region have also been called off.
National Rail says various routes across England, Wales and Scotland will be affected by the weather this weekend, and some lines may be flooded. Flooding is ‘expected’ in some areas near Greater Manchester along the River Irwell with residents urged to ‘act now’.
In an update on social media earlier today (November 23), Trafford Centre’s Tinsel Town Fairground said: “We regret to inform you that the fair will be closed today due to extreme weather conditions. Please note that all other activities remain open.”
Meanwhile, Tatton Park’s Yuletide event has been cancelled for the whole weekend. In an update shared online, Yuletide Adventure said: “Due to the storm forecast at Tatton Park this weekend, Yuletide has been cancelled for both Saturday and Sunday.
“In the interest of public safety, we have taken the decision to close Yuletide for all time slots for both Saturday and Sunday. We’re really sorry for the disruption this will cause to your plans. Everyone who has booked a ticket will automatically receive a refund for their tickets within 21 days. You do not need to do anything.
“We would love you to visit us on a different date, please rebook your tickets via the website. If you have any questions, you can contact us via email hello@yuletide.org.uk.”
The Romiley Christmas Lights switch-on has been cancelled due to Storm Bert. In a statement shared online, a spokesperson for Romiley Village Markets said: “Sadly we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel today’s Christmas markets, including the light switch on and Santa’s grotto.
“The ice hasn’t cleared as much as we’d hoped overnight and combined with the winds it’s simply not worth the risk to people’s safety. We’re hoping to re-arrange for another day so keep an eye on our social media page for more announcements.”
The Christmas Lights switch on in Alderley Edge has been cancelled due to the adverse weather too. Sharing the news on social media, Cllr Ali Bates, Chair of Alderley Edge Parish Council said: “The safety and comfort of our community and visitors are our top priority. Whilst it’s heartbreaking to cancel such a beloved event, we believe it’s the responsible decision.
“We are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts of our councillors, volunteers, local businesses and partners who have worked for months planning this annual festive celebration. The council will manually illuminate the Christmas lights over the weekend to ensure the village remains festive and bright.”
Shaw and Crompton Events Committee have also announced that the Christmas Lights switch on has been forced to move inside due to Storm Bert. Local Lib Dem councillor Howard Sykes said: “A lot of work, and fundraising, goes on throughout the year to pay for the event which signals the start of Christmas celebrations across Shaw and Crompton.
“It is therefore bitterly disappointing to see that the event has had to be moved inside and substantially scaled back due Storm Bert which has prevented structures being erected on Market Street and with only limited parts of the planned programme taking place in Playhouse 2 and the British Legion on Newtown Street. It would be remiss however not to recognise and thank this dedicated band of volunteers for their efforts over the year, and every year, and I have no doubt that the event will return next year in its usual format.”