Fareham's annual Christmas lights switch-on will go ahead despite adverse weather conditions.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, November 23, even as a yellow weather warning has been issued for rain and winds exceeding 50mph.

This year's stormy weather is predicted to hinder the participation of food stalls and larger fairground rides.

Fareham Borough Council said: "This is likely to make it impossible for the food concessions and some of the bigger funfair rides to attend.

"The smaller ones will still be on West Street and the Council is moving the majority of activities indoors."

The festive market will still take place in the old Clarks store within the Fareham Shopping Centre.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also look forward to community performances, interactions with walkabout artists, and appearances by cast members from the Fareham Live pantomime, 'Cinderella'.

Children can partake in a 'Search for the Star' challenge, with prizes on offer.

The council is also repurposing the old Woolworths/Job Centre building on West Street to host more children's activities.

These will include a variety of festive arts and crafts, Christingle making, a bubble workshop, circus skills sessions, and festive music.

Executive member for leisure and community, councillor Connie Hockley, said: "My message here is that Christmas is not cancelled in Fareham! It may not be going ahead exactly as originally planned but, now the Council owns the shopping centre, we are able to move the majority of activities indoors.

"The countdown to the lights switch on will still happen at 5.30pm at the Performance Podium on West Street, and I hope some of you, appropriately dressed for the occasion, will brave the weather to join us!"

The council has pledged to continue monitoring the weather situation closely and will keep the public updated about any further changes.

For more information, visit fareham.gov.uk/christmaslights or check the council’s social media pages.