Chelmsford Christmas switch on cancelled as Storm Bert heads to Essex

Chelmsford's Christmas lights switch on event this weekend has been cancelled as weather conditions brought on by Storm Bert would make the event "unsafe", organisers have said. Chelmsford For You has "regrettably" announced the massive city centre event planned for Sunday (November 24) will not go ahead.

The switch-on event is one of the biggest of the city's annual calendar, with stalls lining the streets, live music on stage and multiple other Christmas activities. However, with Storm Bert arriving in the UK this weekend everywhere is expected to get high winds and increased rainfall.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the country across Saturday and Sunday. Whilst the specific warning areas do not include Essex, Chelmsford is set to have heavy rain all day across both days. Chelmsford For You said it has considered all possible alternatives but concluded putting on the event this weekend would not be safe for staff and suppliers.

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The event is not the only one to be cancelled this weekend, with a festive two-day live event on Canvey Island's seafront also being called off. Sara Tupper, BID Manager of Chelmsford For You, said: “As a team we are so sad to have to make this decision. This is our biggest event of the year, and we put our hearts and souls into bringing Christmas magic to Chelmsford.

"However, we have to ensure the safety of all those involved and working closely with partners, we know that we have made the right decision even though it’s been a difficult one to make.

"We would like to thank the public for their continued support in our events programme, in particular the annual Christmas Lights Switch On. We know the community will be as disappointed as we are, but we can’t wait to be back in 2025 to make next year’s event our biggest yet.”

Although our event won’t now go ahead on Sunday, Chelmsford’s lights will be switched on over the weekend when it is safe to do so. It won’t be possible for the winners of this year’s Community Awards to switch them as planned, but results will be announced by Chelmsford For You this weekend on their social media channels.

Some of this weekend’s activities will still be going ahead; The outdoor arts and crafts market will now relocate indoors to The Meadows between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Further Christmas events are planned for Chelmsford later in December. The Christmas Cabins launch next month running from December 6 to 22, with 16 cabins offering a mix of street food, treats and gifts from local businesses and creators.

A Chelmsford For You spokesman added: "We will be moving a number of the activities and performers planned for the light switch-on event to our weekends at the cabins (Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec, Sat 14 & Sun 15, Sat 21 & Sun 22). The team is working with suppliers to arrange this right now, so keep an eye on our socials (@ChelmsfordForYou)."