A SCOTS city council has cancelled a major annual Christmas event -with severe weather warnings in place.
Organisers have expressed their disappointment at having to axe one of the area’s festive favourites.
The annual Xmas event has been cancelled for the first time and fans are hugely disappointed by the news[/caption]
Glasgow held its lights switch on last week but another major Scots city won’t be able to have theirs this festive season[/caption]
Perth and Kinross Council has cancelled the city’s Christmas Lights Switch-On with yellow and amber weather warnings in place.
Organisers have cited safety concerns alongside potential difficulties for visitors travelling from outwith the city.
The event was set to take place this weekend, with activities taking place across Saturday and Sunday.
The short notice means rather than the event being re-arranged – it won’t go ahead at all this year.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Perth and Kinross Council said: “Unfortunately, after closely monitoring the weather forecasts and consulting with our suppliers, we’ve decided to cancel the Christmas Lights Switch-On Weekend activities on Saturday and Sunday due to safety concerns and potential difficulties with travel from outwith Perth.
“In particular, the yellow warning for strong winds which could pose a public safety risk with large structures like the stages.
“We are also aware that with the wider amber and yellow weather warnings there are people who would otherwise be involved in supporting these events may be needed to provide responses to the impact of weather elsewhere in Perth and Kinross.
“Perth’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event has been a staple of the city centre event calendar for many years and, barring Covid, this is the first time we have ever had to cancel it.
“Unfortunately, due to the timescales and costs involved, we will not be able to reschedule the event to an alternative date.
“However, the Christmas cabins and Santa Grotto will remain in place as advertised.
“We regret and share the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to the event.
“We’re sure you agree that safety must come first.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Fan have flocked to the post to express their disappointment, but are in agreement that the correct decision was made.
One wrote: “That’s a shame for the children that were performing but best to be safe.”
Another added: “I was looking forward to it tomorrow, but I think the decision has been well researched if weather conditions aren’t right.”
A third said: “We’ve attended every year – it’s always a brilliant event. While disappointed, with the forecast, it’s the right call to make.”
A fourth wrote: “Disappointing but understandable. Gutted for everyone that’s put so much effort into putting this together.”
Perth and Kinross Council have cancelled the event due to the current weather warnings across Scotland[/caption]
