A TOWN’S Christmas festival celebrations have been cancelled by organisers due to “potential high winds” forecast during the event.

The New Milton Christmas Festival which was due to take place in the town centre on Saturday November 27 from 12 noon, with the Christmas light switch on taking place later in the afternoon.

However, the festivities have been put on hold for the “safety” of all participants after winds of up to 60mph were forecast for parts of the south west.

A spokesperson said: “It is with regret that the New Milton Christmas Festival has been cancelled due to potential high winds forecast for tomorrow.

“The safety of the public, stall holders and participants are our primary concerns thus this decision has been made in consultation with the Town Council and other interested parties.

“There is a possibility that it may be moved to December 4 but that has yet to be confirmed.”

The event would have seen a parade travel from Station Road into the town centre, arriving for the Christmas light switch on.

This year, the Lions Club of New Milton has taken over the responsibility of organising and staging the festival. Alan Watson, chair of the activities committee, said “we didn’t dare take the chance” to hold the event after the weather warning.

He added a statement would be issued on Monday regarding the rescheduling of the festival, which he hopes will be on Saturday, December 4.