Taste Cumbria has made the decision to cancel some of its scheduled Christmas Food festival in Cockermouth due to the forecast of strong wind from Storm Darragh.

Taking to social media the organisers wrote “regretfully, the decision has been made to cancel the Taste Cumbria Christmas food festival in Cockermouth this weekend.

“This is due to a forecast of very high gusts of wind as Storm Darragh is predicted to hit Cumbria hard on Saturday and Sunday. The Met Office has advised that there will be 60 – 70mph gusts in the area from Friday through to Sunday morning.

“Although Sunday is a little calmer, the wind gusts are still not at a satisfactory level to be able to put gazebos up and safely invite traders and visitors to Cockermouth.”

Similar issues have affected other events around the county with Egremont’s Winter Wonderland cancelled in November due to strong winds preventing the organisers setting up the event.

All is not lost though as The Supper Club took place and the Taste Cumbria Comedy Night planned for Saturday night will still go ahead.

Taste Cumbria event manager Ellie Jones, said: “We are so disappointed that the weekend’s weather forecast has forced us to make this decision.

“However, we have to consider our amazing traders and the town’s businesses who create thousands of products ahead of the event. We can’t see their food, time and money wasted when all the indications are that this is going to be a big storm.

“As event organisers, Cumberland Council’s top priority is the health, safety and welfare of our visitors, staff and traders. We’re used to rain in Cumbria, but unfortunately windy conditions can be highly dangerous where gazebos and marquees are concerned.

“Please don’t forget the wealth of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in Cockermouth. Please pop in and support them, and the rest of the county’s great businesses.

“Thank you for your understanding – please visit Cockermouth, shop local and have a great Christmas.”