New Milton Lions Club says it has no plans to reschedule its much-anticiapted Christmas lights switch-on event

“There is no plan B”, say organisers of the now cancelled New Milton Christmas light-switch which was due to go ahead tomorrow (Saturday).

New Milton Lions Club told the A&T they were “very sad” to have to call it off due to forecast adverse weather, with strongs winds and rain predicted.

Alan Watson, president of the club, said: “We are beyond disappointed. So many people were coming to the festival and so many of our members have worked so hard to put it on.

“But we had no other choice but to cancel as safety has to come first.

“The weather forecast for Saturday is particularly bad, with high winds. The stalls especially would be at risk as we can’t tether them to a road.”

Mr Watson said the club had been trying “desperately” to come up with a Plan B for something to replace the festival on Saturday or to reschedule it for another date.

But he admitted: “It is not looking very hopeful. The dates just don’t work. We were looking at other options but it is looking more and more unlikely.

“I feel so sorry for so many people who were really looking forward to it. My inbox is full of messages from people saying how disappointed they are.”

The festival would have featured a Santa parade, live music, children’s’ funfair, over a 100 craft stalls and other entertainment.