Blenheim Palace: Christmas events across the south disrupted and cancelled as Storm Bert reaches the UK

Storm Bert hit the south yesterday (November 23).

Blenheim Palace cancelled its Christmas events due to “adverse weather conditions”.

The palace, located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, closed its light trail, Christmas markets and the ice rink. Blenheim Palace has today (November 24) said it will be opening at 1.30pm and that the first operational timeslot for Neverland in the Palace, Neverland afternoon tea and the Great Skate will be 2pm. Those booked in before these times should refer to their emails for more information.

Posting to social media, their statement read: “Blenheim Palace will be opening its gates from 1.30pm onwards today, Sunday 24 November due to the adverse weather conditions overnight. The first operational timeslot for Neverland in the Palace, Neverland afternoon tea and the Great Skate will be 2pm. If you are booked in beforehand, please refer to your emails shortly for more information. Anyone who doesn't want to come today will be refunded or can rebook regardless of their booking time.“

In a later update, the palace said that they had made the decision to close the Illuminated Trail and the Great Skate for the day due to storm damage.

Christmas lights switch-ons in Dorchester, Romsey, Christchurch, New Milton, and Odiham were also cancelled yesterday.

Portsmouth's We Shine festival cancelled its outdoor installations for Saturday, but the indoor events went ahead.

Portsmouth City Council said: “We shine Portsmouth starts at 5pm tonight! Prepare to see Portsmouth will transform the city into a gallery of illuminating art. Please note, however, that due to the strong winds and rain forecast, only indoor installations will be open on Saturday.”