As heavy rain and high winds are set to stay for most of this weekend, hopes for most planned Christmas events across the county have been dashed.

So far several events have called it quits due to safety concerns over the bad weather.

Folkestone Town Council announced it would postpone its Christmas lights switch-on, which was set to take place in Guildhall Street yesterday.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “Unfortunately, the weather predicted for Saturday has not improved, with the forecast of strong winds and heavy rain.

“One of the council's main priorities is the health and safety of the general public.

“With the large number of children involved in the parade, Christmas market traders, scheduled activities and performances, and expected crowd attendance, it would be considered dangerous to hold the event.”

The free event was set to include school choir performances, live music and a celebrity guest appearance.

Also cancelled is the Festive Market due to take place in the town’s Harbour Arm.

Organisers said the indoor businesses, except those on The Harbour Arm, would remain open as usual; including the Harbour Grotto.

Dover District Council also announced that its switch-on in Deal, set to take place yesterday evening, was also cancelled.

The annual event would’ve included fairground rides and live music performances.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for southern parts of the county.

The warning is for high winds and runs from 9am today until 9pm on Sunday.

On Thursday night, thousands braved the weather to attend the annual Christmas light switch-on in Maidstone.

Ashford Borough Council also announced the cancellation of the parade portion of the Carnival of Baubles, which was due to take place at 5pm yesterday.

However, in a statement, the council confirmed other parts of the celebration were set to remain.

A spokesman added: “A revised timetable has been produced to bring the very best of the parade to indoor locations.

“We also warmly invite everyone to visit our very special Bauble Illumination Station in County Square, where the Carnival Team will dim the lights, switch on all the bauble lanterns, and host free Christmas decoration-making activities, all backed by DJ’s and Dance Schools to help make a magical style Carnival of the Baubles festive creation cave!”

Ramsgate Town Council followed suit and will continue running indoor activities today (Sunday).

A modified elf trail will be in action for those willing to brave the weather, with several to find in shop windows and a Santa’s grotto inside Sugar Rush in the town’s high street.

Their Safe Switch On event is still set to occur at 4.30pm, but visitors are encouraged to check if high winds are still forecasted before attending.

Paddock Wood also announced that its Lights Up event would take place on a new date.

In a post on social media the organisers added: “We are delighted to say that the event is not cancelled, just postponed and that we have managed to secure a new date of Sunday 8th December!

“The Lights will be turned on as planned on Sunday (let’s call it a trial run!) so that we aren’t without Christmas lights for the next two weeks, but luckily, we know where the switch is, and we can do it for real on the 8th.

“Stay tuned for more details and line-up updates…”

The raffle is also set to go ahead, with the draw taking place on Tuesday (November 26).

Dartford Borough Council also announced the cancellation of its weekend market but reassured residents that traders will be back next Thursday.

Several Christmas events are still scheduled to take place across the county in the coming weeks.