Northamptonshire Day postponed due to high winds

Several events have been cancelled in Northamptonshire due to forecast high winds.

More than 50 organisations had been due to take part in Northamptonshire Day, celebrating the county's heritage, in Kettering on Sunday.

North and West Northamptonshire councils said they made the "difficult decision" to postpone as predicted conditions could pose a risk to visitors, staff and exhibitors.

Chester House Estate in Irchester and Boughton House near Kettering have also cancelled some events over safety concerns.

Part of the Northamptonshire Day event called Lighthouse Live, which involves live performances from local musicians and entertainers, will still go ahead in the evening as planned at the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering Leisure Village.

Thousands attended Northamptonshire Day last year in Northampton's Market Square and the council said it would become an annual event.

Boughton House, near Kettering, has cancelled its Halloween event on Saturday and Sunday.

Chester House Estate, in Irchester, has postponed Spooksville over the weekend.

It said: "As an outdoor event, the safety of our visitors and team will always be our top priority."

Animals in Need Northamptonshire said "with a heavy heart" it has had to cancel its Halloween Scarecrow Hunt on Sunday, at Pitsford, but "safety has to come first".

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for parts of England, including Kettering, on Friday because of strong winds caused by Storm Austen.

Although no warnings are currently in place for Saturday or Sunday, the Met Office has forecast further strong winds.

The council statement continued: "The decision has not been taken lightly and comes after months of planning involving partners, community groups, performers, sponsors and organisations from across Northamptonshire."

Details of any rescheduled event will be announced at a later date.

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