A severe weather front over the weekend, named by the Met Office as Storm Bert, has forced the cancellation of Christmas markets across Teignbridge.

Storm Bert will reach the UK on Saturday bringing heavy rain, snow and strong winds, particularly in southern and western parts.

Dawlish Council has cancelled the Christmas market that was due to take place on the lawn on Saturday (November 23). It said the forecast bad weather poses ‘significant risks to the operation of the market and the health and safety of all attendees including stallholders and visitors’.

‘It’s a real shame,’ said Dawlish Chamber of Commerce chair Colin Jolliffe. ‘A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to organise all the stalls and musicians.’

However, the Dawlish Christmas light switch on event, which is scheduled to take place on Friday (November 22) before Bert arrives, will still go ahead. The event includes a food and drink market on the Strand, a lantern parade and carols before the lights are switched on.

Newton Abbot Town Council is yet to make a firm decision about the town’s Christmas light switch on events, which includes a street food market and walkabout appearances from a Christmas polar bear during the afternoon before a Christmas parade with Father Christmas and the Ipplepen carnival float at 5pm.

‘As much as we’re eager to light up the season, safety is our top priority,’ a town council spokesperson said. ‘Please be aware that the event may need to be cancelled depending on the weather conditions.’

In Teignmouth, the Christmas Fayre at St Michael’s has been postponed until next Saturday (November 30) due to the severe weather warning.