HIGH winds caused the Christmas lights switch-on and a reindeer parade to be cancelled in Middlesbrough today (Sunday, Nov 29).

Hundreds of schoolchildren were due to take part in the town centre lights switch-on and entertainment was scheduled for the switch on which organisers hoped would attract thousands of people.

However the construction of a main stage in Central Square was stopped this morning. The reindeer parade was due to take place at 3pm but was also cancelled for the safety of both the children and animals.

A spokesman for event organisers LoveMiddlesbrough said: “Due to the severity of emerging weather conditions the Reindeer Parade is cancelled. The town’s Christmas lights switch-on will be rescheduled for a later date. We thank our partners and the public for their cooperation and understanding.”

The Met Office has issued a warning as gusts top 40mph are around the area.

There were reports online that the The A1027 in Norton was temporarily closed near to the Blue Bridge earlier today due to a tree down in the road and the A19 flyover was closed to high sided vehicles for a period earlier this afternoon.

It has also been reported that a pole on top of Middlesbrough Town Hall snapped and is lying across the roof of the building and that the Christmas Fair at the Headland in Hartlepool and Stockton Sparkles town centre festival had been closed early due to the strong winds.