Blackpool New Year's Eve fireworks display cancelled
Strong winds and heavy rain forecast spell end for planned fireworks on the Promenade but family party and other entertainment going ahead
A fireworks display planned to welcome in the New Year at Blackpool's Promenade has been cancelled.
The Met Office has a high winds and heavy rain warning in force for New Year's Eve.
Although the warning area doesn't directly cover Blackpool it is in force across swathes of Lancashire and weather forecasts say wind gusts of more than 40mph to 50mph are expected throughout Tuesday (31 December).
Heavy rain is also expected throughout Tuesday evening and into the early hours of New Year's Day.
A statement from Visit Blackpool said: "Due to the forecast of high winds tomorrow evening, 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.
"The festivities continue with the skating rink and Christmas village open until 9pm, and the iconic six-mile Illuminations display illuminating the Promenade from 4.30pm to 1am.
"At midnight, the projection show that will feature in the family party will be shown on The Blackpool Tower to mark the start of 2025."