A NEW plan has been prepared for Malvern's Christmas lights switch-on after this weekend's cancellation.

Malvern Town Council decided to cancel this weekend's event due to fears around bad weather this weekend.

Instead of November 27, the lights will now be switched on by the mayor of Malvern Cllr Nick Houghton and stars of this Christmas's pantomime on December 1at 6pm.

A Town Council spokesman explained the decision to cancel, saying the forecast winds of up to 50mph made public safety a real concern.

They said: "Storm Arwen is forecast to bring windy weather on Friday night into Saturday and with wind speeds currently expected to gust up to 50mph on Saturday, the decision to cancel all outdoor activities including the arts and crafts market, and 6pm lights switch-on has been made in the interest of public safety."

Despite the cancellation, some Malvern events are going ahead this Saturday.

Great Malvern Priory will still be open from 10am until 4pm and hope to continue with their programme of music and events, however they will be cancelling their carol concert at 6pm.

Father Christmas will still be visiting Malvern Library, with his grotto still running from 10am until 4pm along with the animatronic polar bear and a number of workshops for all ages.

The council spokesman added residents can still take part in the council's augmented reality trail and that the council is still running its Christmas Wreath competition and trail.

For more details on the council's Christmas programme, go to www.malverntowncouncil.org/