THE Christmas lights switch-on in Malvern has been temporarily cancelled due to 'severe weather conditions'. 

Other outdoor events at the Christmas Festival have also been temporarily axed as councillors fear "gale force winds".

A post on Visit The Malverns Tourist Information Centre's Facebook, read: "It's with great sadness the decision has been made to cancel the outdoor events at the Great Malvern Christmas Festival.

"There will still be in a few festive activities taking place across the town:

- Santa's Grotto at Great Malvern Library - 10am-3:45pm

- The animatronic Polar bear will now be at Great Malvern Library for all three time slots

- The Green Winter Fair in The Lyttelton Rooms

- Augmented Reality 'Santa Needs You Trail' 

- Christmas Wreath Window Trail

"Great Malvern Priory Church will also be open from 10am to 4pm and hope to continue with a variety of activities and music performances."

Malvern Gazette revealed earlier today the lights switch-on in was in danger of being cancelled due to poor weather.

At a meeting of Malvern Town Council's planning committee on November 24, town clerk Linda Blake said all options were being considered ahead of this weekend.

She said: "The activities are all set, but unfortunately there is not great weather forecast with gale force winds.

"If the weather is that severe, we could have to cancel."

She added the council would take its lead from the management of the Christmas Market in the grounds of the Priory.

If they did not feel it was safe to put up their stalls, the council would have to re-assess its plans.

This weekend's weather forecast sees a warning of high winds in and around Malvern.

Saturday's weather is set to be unsettled with strong northerly winds set to bring in wintry showers throughout the day.

This year's Christmas Lights switch-on was due to coincide with the Great Malvern Christmas Festival.

The lights themselves were planned to be switched on at 6pm on Saturday, November 27, with the whole event kicking off at 10am.

It is not yet clear when a new date will be announced for the switch-on.