THE city's annual Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled. 

Worcester city centre was set to be lit up with festive cheer tomorrow, however it has been cancelled with less than 24 hours to go.

The event which draws thousands of residents out to the city centre has been cancelled due to concerns relating to safety due to severe weather conditions. 

A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: "Worcester City Council has reluctantly decided to cancel the Christmas Light Switch-on entertainment event on Saturday 23 November due to health and safety concerns relating to the adverse weather conditions.

"The lights will be now switched on at a suitable point during the weekend, when it is safe to do so.

"We are still looking forward to the very popular Victorian Christmas Fayre going ahead as planned from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December."

Fourteen roads were set to be closed tomorrow which would see performers including Lucy Gidley, Split Second, Year Of The Lion, Outpost Drive and Sleuth sing to thousands. 

Worcester's Mayor Mel Allcott said: "It's very sad that we are unable to put on the event due to the weather. 

"Residents will be disappointed but I think it's necessary."

The mayor also confirmed that the lights will still be lit up at some point over the weekend but only when it is safe to do so.

News broke yesterday (November 21) that the lantern parade had also been cancelled due to the wet weather.

The parade, which is organised by the Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), was set to go from The Hive to Cathedral Square. 

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said yesterday: "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 first Santa Sleigh event has also been cancelled due to the weather. 

Santa was set to be outside the Guildhall on November 23 but his first event will now be in Warndon Villages on November 27.

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