Rawtenstall’s Christmas light switch-on event has been cancelled as Storm Bert descends on East Lancashire.

Christmas On The Square was set to be held at the town square this evening (November 23).

Now, the event has been cancelled due to the poor weather that has been forecast.

East 17, known for producing Christmas number one Stay Another Day in 1994, were set to headline.

Organisers say they are disappointed about the decision to cancel but said the yellow weather warning for snow and rain has “made it impossible” for the event to go ahead.

A spokesperson for St Mary’s Chamber, who were providing this year’s main stage, production and headline artist, said: “Much to our disappointment, due to the current extreme weather conditions the organisers have had to make the tough decision to cancel the event today to ensure the safety of the public and all involved.

“Everyone involved have tried their very best to make this work and it was set to be a fantastic community event but the weather warnings issued have made it impossible for us to go ahead.”

A spokesperson for Rossendale Radio said: “With a heavy heart, and due to the adverse weather, our Christmas on the Square event has had to be cancelled.

“While disappointing, this hardest of decisions has been made with regards to everyone’s safety on the site. We hope you understand.”

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain and snow which is in force from now until 9am on Sunday (November 24).

The warning covers all parts of East Lancashire. Strong winds are also set to hit the county.

Snow is not currently forecast in Blackburn or other parts of East Lancashire but heavy rain is set to fall all day.

Blackburn’s annual Christmas lights switch-on is still set to go ahead tonight but its location has been moved inside due to the severe weather forecast.

The majority of events will now take place inside The Mall.

The council said for the safety of all those performing and attending the switch-on, the planned outdoor activities on stage have been moved indoors, where possible.

Blackburn BID Manager, Catherine Price, said: “We’ve been working hard for months on this event to make it the very best it can be with a packed programme to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas here in Blackburn.

“As always, the safety of all our performers and our visitors is our absolute top priority and we are listening to the advice of experts who tell us the outdoor entertainment just can’t go ahead.

“That doesn’t mean we’ve given up though. While we can’t have the official countdown, we’ve been busy moving as much as we can indoors with lots to enjoy right across the town centre, including the spectacular Museum of the Moon at the Cathedral.

“The Christmas lights will be on too so there’s lots to help you all get in the festive spirit while keeping warm and dry.”