Blackpool's New Year's Eve fireworks display cancelled due to high winds

A planned fireworks display in Blackpool to welcome in the New Year has been cancelled because of expected high winds, organisers said.

The rest of the New Year’s Eve Family Party will still go ahead in the Lancashire seaside resort, with a projection show on the tower to mark the start of the new year.

Stormy conditions are expected to spread across the UK on Tuesday, 31 December, with yellow warnings for wind and rain in place for parts of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

In a statement, Visit Blackpool said: "Due to the forecast of high winds, we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the fireworks display this year."The rest of the New Year's Eve Family Party will continue as planned, with plenty of fun activities for all the family, including the LeylandHosen Bierkeller Band, who will be performing during the afternoon. "There will also be children’s rides, themed food and drink cabins, and a free skating rink as part of the festive village. The New Year's Eve projection show will still go ahead as planned at 6pm."

Meanwhile, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have cancelled all ferries between Heysham and Douglas due to "poor" weather conditions. The A66 in Cumbria and North Yorkshire was closed to high-sided vehicles.

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