Watford Christmas lights switched on after Winterfest cancelled

Residents were left disappointed on Friday after organisers of the town centre event were forced to scrap it amid weather fears linked to Storm Bert. 

Father Christmas stepped up to save the day (Image: Watford Town Centre) Following the announcement, the Watford Rotary Club stepped in to provide an alternative lights switch-on in lieu of the annual extravaganza.

It came following the cancellation of Winterfest. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID)Children still had the chance to meet Father Christmas as he appeared inside atria Watford from 12-4pm. He then headed to the top end of the town at 4.30pm, where he switched on the lights.

• Winterfest cancelled: Santa event and lights switch-on moved
• Watford Town Centre Winterfest 2024 cancelled due to weather

Watford Town Centre BID posted on Facebook that it was a "Christmas miracle".

​Children still had the chance to meet Father Christmas as he appeared inside atria Watford from 12-4pm (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) The post added: "We’re all feeling a little down and dreary following Winterfest’s cancellation, and we needed some Christmas cheer!

"Father Christmas has slammed the big red button to turn the festive season ON."

The originally planned event's cancellation came after the BID highlighted potential “high gale force winds of 40mph and heavy rain”.

The lights switch on still took place despite the cancellation of Winterfest. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) 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.”

Winterfest was cancelled due to fears relating to Storm Bert. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) Many were left disappointed by Winterfest's cancellation (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) A full day of events and activities had been planned. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID)