A popular Christmas lights switch-on has been cancelled as a storm is expected to sweep in.

Dazzling Christmas lights will not illuminate Romsey tomorrow, the town council has confirmed.

The adverse weather forecast for the weekend – including heavy gusts of 50mph - sparked safety concerns.

Organisers made the difficult decision on Thursday but added that the lights will be turned on over the weekend for “everyone to enjoy” when they next visit.

A spokesperson said: “Don’t dismay as we have plenty more events in Romsey to look forward to, including our new Christmas Market event A Taste of Christmas Markets coming up on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 6pm.

“So come and ‘shop till you drop’ on #smallbusinesssaturday2024 with a partnership of all the Romsey Markets and events wrapped up in one.”

READ MORE: Storm Bert: Yellow weather warning issued for Hampshire

Storm Bert is set to batter the UK from tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Heavy rain associated with Storm Bert may cause some travel disruption and flooding this weekend.

"Accumulations of 50-75 mm are expected to fall fairly widely during this time.

"Rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning across southern England, becoming particularly heavy and persistent overnight and into Sunday."