Harpenden Town Council has announced that this year's festive event is cancelled due to expected poor weather.

The council said it is with "regret" that it has been forced to cancel the Harpenden Christmas Carnival taking place this Sunday. 

It added: "We have been closely monitoring the weather this week, including the wind speeds and gusts, and have been working hard to deliver the Carnival safely.

"Yesterday we made modifications to the plans which we hoped would enable the event to go ahead. "

Today, the Met Office issued a new national "severe weather warning" for the weekend which have the council said have a "heightened impact on Harpenden".  

The weather warning issued for Saturday (November 23).The weather warning issued for Saturday (November 23). (Image: Met Office) The weather warning issued for Sunday (November 24).The weather warning issued for Sunday (November 24). (Image: Met Office) "The warning includes higher gusts of wind which are now consistently forecast to be above the upper limits that allow us to erect farmers market stalls, music stages and fun fair rides," the town council said.

"The safety of residents, traders and event staff is always at the forefront of our decisions even though we appreciate how disappointing this is to everyone."

The pre-booked craft activities in Park Hall will be going ahead, in addition to the Santa’s Grotto which is now located in Bennets Main Hall.  

Santa’s Grotto is open from 12noon until 6pm (with a break from 3pm to 3.30pm) and you can turn up and join the queue.

Tickets are £3 per child and include a small gift from Santa. 

The town centre Christmas tree and Christmas lights will be switched on at some point during Sunday, however this will not involve any countdown event.