THE Christmas lights switch-on in Worcester is still set to go ahead, despite fears over severe weather.

Fears over strong winds and the effects of Storm Arwen have thrown into doubt the county's Christmas events, with Malvern also fearing they could have to cancel theirs.

In Worcester, the city council confirmed they were continuing to monitor the weather and would make a decision as and when it would be needed ahead of Saturday's event (November 27).

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: "We are closely monitoring the weather forecasts and will, of course, be putting people’s safety first.

"We will make any decisions on the day, as and when they need to be made."

The Worcester Christmas Lights Switch-on gets underway at 2pm, with the main event taking place at 6pm.

There will be live music throughout the day and the chance to meet the Swan Theatre's pantomime characters before the big lights switch on at 6pm.

The event is a partnership between Worcester City Council, Worcester BID and Crowngate Shopping Centre.

The announcement comes after councillors in Malvern were warned their lights switch-on on November 27 could be cancelled if the weather is too bad, with possible gale force winds predicted.

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 there were no concrete plans to cancel the event yet, but that 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.

Whatever the weather, Santa's Grotto will still continue however, as it is indoors at Malvern Library.

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.