THE POPULAR city centre lantern parade has been called off days before it was set to take place.

The parade, organised by the city's Business Improvement District, will no longer take place due to weather conditions expected to hit Worcester on Saturday (November 

The lantern parade was scheduled to open the christmas light switch-on festivities with the lanterns travelling from The Hive to Cathedral Square at 4pm.

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: "Unfortunately, the Worcester BID community lantern parade on Saturday has been cancelled.

"This is due to the wet weather forecasted and the number of children and volunteers required for the parade to be held safely."

The Met Office has forecast Saturday to be near constant showers, with the downpours at their heaviest before the celebrations are set to begin.