West Kirby Christmas Lights and Hoylake and Meols Christmas Lights have both cancelled their planned switch-on events this Saturday, 23 November, due to forecast bad weather.
The annual events are hugely popular with the local community, with hundreds of people turning out for the entertainment.
But due to an incoming severe storm this weekend, with heavy rain and 40mph winds predicted, they have both decided to abandon them.
Rachel Kehoe from West Kirby Christmas Lights said: “Unfortunately a severe storm is forecast this weekend so we have taken the very difficult decision to cancel the Switch On event planned for this Saturday 23 Nov 4-6pm.
“The safety of all is our priority. A lot of planning goes into the event and we have to make a decision in plenty of time to inform all parties and allow everyone to plan accordingly.
“We are really disappointed but we cannot take the risk of having to cancel it on the day. We are hoping to get the lights on at the weekend.
“We cannot organise another event before Christmas, but are planning to organise a community event early next year.”
Hoylake and Meols Christmas Lights said: “The planning involved means people supporting us need to know well in advance, and although we know weather forecasts can be unreliable at times, we have to make informed decisions based on the current information available for everybody’s safety.
“It is unbelievably disappointing, perhaps especially so for this year’s good cause Positivity Club CIC. Watch this space for alternative ways in which you can support them.
“Thank you, as ever, for your amazing support this year. The lights will be lit on Saturday, no matter what – just not with the usual fanfare they deserve.”
