Despite Winterfest’s being off, shoppers will still be able to meet Santa after the sleigh appearance has been moved to a different location.

In a change to the schedule, Father Christmas will be in the atria Watford event space from 12pm to 4pm today (November 23) instead of being part of the cancelled traditional High Street parade.

After meeting some of those who would have attended Winterfest, he will then head to the top end of town to switch on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm.

The event organisers, Rotary Club of Watford, said: “Bundle up in your warmest winter gear and arrive early at Atria to catch some unforgettable moments with Santa then get ready for the big light switch on.”

The event space is by Puttshack and Cineworld.

Rotary Club of Watford's Santa (Image: Rotary Club of Watford) Confirming that Winterfest had been cancelled due to unsafe forecast weather, organisers Watford Town Centre BID highlighted potential “high gale force winds of 40mph and heavy rain”.

This would apparently make it unsafe for the funfair rides to open and for the event stage to be installed “particularly with young children involved”.

BID manager Kara Mesiano said: "It is with severe regret that we have made the unwelcome decision to cancel the planned Watford Town Centre Winterfest on Saturday November 23, 2024.”