THE Christmas Festival, set to take place in Bromsgrove for the first time this weekend, has been cancelled.

More than 30 stalls were organised for the Christmas market this Sunday, December 10, including arts and craft stalls, but the festival has now been cancelled 'in the interest of public safety'.

The organiser, CJ’s Events Warwickshire Limited, said the cancellation was due to the forecast of adverse weather conditions over the next 48 hours.

A spokesperson for the company said: "On the basis of the amber weather warnings issued by the Met Office forecasting heavy snow over the weekend, especially Sunday, we're unable to hold the event as planned.

"We are very disappointed, but the safety of our team, traders and visitors must be a priority.’

"We apologise for any disappointment this may cause. Traders who were booked in to trade at the event have been contacted."