The first Friday market and launch event on Marlborough Square in Coalville has been cancelled due to extremely high winds during Storm Lilian making the event unsafe.

Met Office warning say strong winds are expected for the morning during Storm Lilian, with gusts of up to 47mph.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) says it has made the 'difficult decision' to cancel the event. 

But, the free Family Fun Day planned for Saturday (August 24) will still go ahead, and the regular market will be in place on Friday, August 30, as scheduled.

Plans are now being made for an alternative launch event in the near future - this will bring together supporters of the regeneration work and officially mark the completion of the square.

Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC, said: "This isn't a decision we've taken lightly.

"Our market stalls can only be used safely in winds up to 35mph, and with gusts of up to 47mph predicted during our set-up time, we hope people will understand that we've had to cancel to keep everyone safe. 

"Needless to say, after years of working on this project and months of planning for the first Friday market and launch event, our team here is absolutely gutted to have to pull the plug.

"But we can't predict the weather and we can't go ahead if the event is unsafe. 

The Met Office is predicting wind speeds of 47mph. Image: Met Office

"We're pleased to have a great range of regular stalls signed up for our weekly Friday market, so hope people will come along next week – when the weather looks set to be fantastic – and enjoy browsing. 

"Our free family fun day is going ahead on Saturday too, so please come along and enjoy the festivities in our new markets and events space in Coalville."