BRAINTREE Christmas events have seen some cancellations due to health and safety concerns after a gusty weather forecast is predicted.

Christmas festivities have been planned in the town centre for this Saturday, which would have seen street food and sweet treats, handmade items and collectibles. 

Sadly, Braintree Council has taken the “very difficult decision” to cancel its street market this Saturday.

A spokesman said: “Whilst we hoped the weather forecast would change, heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 45mph are predicted on Saturday and this creates a health and safety issue with gazebos.

“We hope you understand why we have had to make this decision, and we hope the weather will be better for our Christmas market on Saturday, December 14.”

Festivities at The Boars Head will also no longer go ahead, which would have seen performances on a stage at the fountain end of the high street from 2pm.

The pub encouraged people to keep their ears open for potential Christmas celebrations closer to Christmas, which may run in line with Braintree Council's Christmas market on December 14. 

Festive - Celebrations in George Yard Shopping Centre will go ahead Festive - Celebrations in George Yard Shopping Centre will go ahead (Image: Stacey Cosens/BDC) Fortunately, George Yard Shopping Centre will still host its light switch-on and an afternoon of free festivities from 1pm.

There will be performances from Phina Circus and Dance, Taylor’s Dance Company, and a Frozen show with Elsa, Anna and Olaf, as well as the cast of Dick Whittington which is on at The Institute in Braintree this Christmas.

George Yard will countdown to its lights switch scheduled for 5.45pm, but it has advised visitors monitor its social media channels in case the schedule changes due to the weather.

Braintree Hobby Hub will also be in the old Burton’s store with stalls ran by small businesses.