STORM Arwen has claimed another Christmas event as the city's regular market in Angel Place in Worcester has been cancelled due to concerns about the high winds expected on Saturday.

Despite this, the council said it still expected the Christmas lights switch-on to go ahead as planned.

In a Tweet on Friday afternoon, the council spokesman said: "Sadly, tomorrow's market in Angel Place has had to be cancelled because of the high winds.

"The switching-on of Worcester's Christmas lights is still going ahead."

Yellow weather warnings have been put in place for this weekend, with Storm Arwen already having caused Malvern's Christmas lights switch-on to be cancelled.

Worcester News: The Angel Place market on Saturday morning

Earlier this week, a City Council spokesman confirmed they were keeping their options open ahead of this weekend.

They said: "We are closely monitoring the weather forecasts and will, of course, be putting people’s safety first.

"We will make any decisions on the day, as and when they need to be made."

The Worcester Christmas Lights Switch-on gets underway at 2pm, with the main event taking place at 6pm.

Malvern's switch-on has since been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 1 at 6pm.

A Town Council spokesman explained the decision to cancel, saying the forecast winds of up to 50mph made public safety a real concern.

They said: "Storm Arwen is forecast to bring windy weather on Friday night into Saturday and with wind speeds currently expected to gust up to 50mph on Saturday, the decision to cancel all outdoor activities including the arts and crafts market, and 6pm lights switch-on has been made in the interest of public safety."

Instead of November 27, the lights will now be switched on by the mayor of Malvern Cllr Nick Houghton and stars of this Christmas's pantomime on December 1at 6pm.

Despite the cancellation, some Malvern events are going ahead this Saturday.

Great Malvern Priory will still be open from 10am until 4pm and hope to continue with their programme of music and events, but they will be cancelling their carol concert at 6pm.

Father Christmas will still be visiting Malvern Library, with his grotto still running from 10am until 4pm along with the animatronic polar bear and a number of workshops for all ages.