The prospect of heavy rain and strong winds has forced Gillingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry to cancel this Saturday’s planned Christmas Spectacular on the Town Meadow.

In an announcement the GCCI said: ‘We are hugely disappointed to announce that we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow evening’s Gillingham Christmas Spectacular. Please accept our sincere apologies.

‘With the weather forecasts and severe warnings in place we felt we couldn’t go ahead safely.’

It added: ‘Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising this event and all those who planned to attend. It really would have been amazing so we are incredibly disappointed.’

Weather forecasters have warned that on Saturday Storm Darragh will bring wind gusts of more than 60mph to the Gillingham area.

The event, which had plans for a High Street parade, was due to take place from 5pm to 8pm.