A Christmas market and lights switch-on have been cancelled in Banbury today as Storm Bert continues to cause disruptions across the county. 

Banbury Victorian Christmas Market is a three-day event, this year supposed to take place in Market Place, Banbury Square, from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24. 

The event was able to go ahead on Saturday, but organisers posted a statement on Sunday morning to warn visitors that it will not go ahead for its last day. 

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The statement said: "Despite our best efforts to secure the stalls overnight, the intensity of the winds has caused significant damage, making it unsafe for our team, traders, and visitors to continue with the event.

"We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our team who did everything possible to keep the market running in such challenging conditions. Unfortunately, safety must come first, and this decision was not made lightly.

"We sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused and appreciate your understanding during this difficult situation."

Organisers thanked customers for their continued support and said they hope future events will have better conditions. 

Banbury Town Council released a statement on Sunday saying the Christmas lights switch-on has been cancelled. 

It said: "Weather conditions and safety concerns have determined that the only responsible course of action is to cancel the Christmas lights switch-on event that was due to take place today.

"Banbury will be lit up throughout the festive period - we hope that you will be able to come and enjoy the Christmas Lights at some point over the coming weeks.

"The newly designed Christmas Lights scheme can be enjoyed from tonight and throughout the festive season."

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Storm Bert, which has a yellow weather warning for wind and rain from the Met Office, has caused a series of disruptions over the weekend. 

Another recent closure is Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, which shared a picture of a large branch which had fallen onto a bench, stating: "The farm site, cafe and shop are closed today for everyone's safety."

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is closed this morning after events were cancelled on Saturday.

But an announcement said the gates would be opening at 1.30pm today.

It stated: "Blenheim Palace will be opening its gates from 1.30pm onwards today (Sunday, November 24) 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."

A number of trees have come down across the county while many homes have also been left without power in areas including Broadwell and Faringdon.

Follow our live blog to get all the updates from the storm. 

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