Outdoor events cancelled ahead of Storm Dave

News imageSefton Council Night-time view of hundreds of people watching a performance under a canopied stage at night outside The Atkinson cultural venue, which is an old stone building with an illuminated clock tower in Southport.Sefton Council
Nearly 1,000 people attended the Cristal Palace show in Southport on Friday

Several outdoor events have been cancelled as north-western England braces itself for the arrival of Storm Dave.

The Chester and North Wales Food and Drink Festival was cancelled on Saturday but is expected to go ahead on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Southport's Cristal Palace show - featuring aerial performers and a large hanging chandelier - has also been cancelled.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the event on Friday. The final performance on Saturday was due to have featured dancing and music from the French theatre company Transe Express, as well as 36 local performers.

Claire McColgan, associate director of culture for Liverpool City Region, said: "Outdoor events have one enemy which is the weather, whatever time of year, and what makes them brilliant also means you are at the will of things out of your control.

"I am so sorry for all the team and performers but safety always comes first."

A spokesman for Sefton Council added: "We are already working hard to bring some aspects of the show back later this year and further details will be provided in due course."

There is also a chance of 70-80mph (113-129km/h) winds in exposed areas, especially around the coast.