Bad weather has forced the cancellation of Christmas in Coalville today (Saturday).

Plans have been in place for weeks for a grand Christmas lights switch on with stage entertainment from an Abba tribute band.

But, with high winds forecast - and an early morning snowfall - North West Leicestershire District Council has announced that the main part of the event is now off.

However, there will still be festive celebrations in the new Newmarket in Marlborough Square.

The council confirmed this morning that the weather has forced the cancellsation.

A statement said: "The fireworks, funfair and stage show at Christmas in Coalville will not take place this year.

"Sadly, the severe weather today means it's unsafe for these parts of the event to go ahead.

"North West Leicestershire District Council has made this decision jointly with the companies providing the staging and the funfair.

"Visitors can still enjoy the Christmas Market stalls in the shopping centre, see Santa on his sleigh and visit a very festive Newmarket Coalville."