The highly-anticipated Christmas light switch-on in Bromsgrove has been cancelled as Storm Bert is set to hit Worcestershire. 

Bromsgrove District Council has taken the sad decision to cancel the light switch-on event tomorrow (Saturday, November 23) due to high wind speeds that have been predicted across the county. 

Friends of St John's Christmas Market, which kicked off the festivities today (Friday, November 22), is also cancelled tomorrow. 

In a post on social media, Bromsgrove District Council said: "Due to health and safety concerns relating to adverse weather conditions, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Bromsgrove Christmas Light Switch On event, tomorrow (Saturday, November 23).

"Following an extensive assessment of the weather forecast and coordination with our contractors, the impact of the expected wind speeds and gusts were deemed potentially unsafe for temporary structures.

"St John's Christmas Market is also cancelled tomorrow."

The council's regular market, which has stalls that are secured, will be open tomorrow but people are advised to keep checking Bromsgrove District Council's social media pages for updates. 

The Christmas light switch-on event and market is a highly-anticipated annual event in the town with tasty treats and craft stalls to help people find the ideal festive gift. 

Many residents have taken to social media to express their sadness at the cancellation but thanked the organisers for prioritising people's safety. 

Got 2 Sing Choir Redditch & Bromsgrove said: "Sad news. Please help to spread the word." 

Destination Bromsgrove posted: "Christmas Light Switch on and Christmas Market has been cancelled tomorrow

"Please do still come and support the local shops, restaurants and cafes in the town."

The Christmas light switch-on event in Catshill has also been cancelled. 

Other switch-on events are still set to take place later this month and in December.  

Other switch-on events being held with support from Bromsgrove District Council include: 

Aston Fields - Sunday, December 1 

Alvechurch - Saturday, November 30

Barnt Green - Saturday, November 30 

Hagley - Saturday, November 30 

Wythall - Friday, November 29

Check the Bromsgrove District Council Facebook page for updates.