A castle’s annual Christmas lights display has been cancelled due to bad weather.

The decision comes as the county prepares to be battered by strong winds and rain over the next few days.

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, has apologised to customers, blaming “adverse weather conditions” from Storm Darragh.

A spokesman said: “We are sorry to announce that Christmas lights on Thursday has been cancelled.

“Ticket holders will be contacted by the outlet they booked through outlining all options available.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Kent is set for another storm with gusts of up to 80mph, the Met Office revealed yesterday.

Heavy rain and strong winds could bring disruption between 3pm on Thursday and 6am on Sunday.

Elsewhere in the county, Dover Town Council and Future Foundry announced this year’s “Winter Light Up” will be postponed until after Christmas.

The event was set to run over the weekend and include activities and a lantern procession. This now won’t be happening until February 8.

A spokesman said: “We have been very lucky over the past four years to have had perfect conditions for Dover’s Winter Light Up. However with 60mph gusts predicted on Saturday, it will not be possible to run the event safely.

“The great news is that Dover’s Winter Light Up has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8.

“It will be a festival of light when we need it most - at the end of winter just before the first signs of spring. We will be offering all the enchanting activities we had planned for this weekend, with circus performances, cabaret, music, rides, markets, workshops and Future Foundry’s magical lantern procession - all just in time for the start of spring.

“In the meantime stay safe during Storm Darragh and we wish you a wonderful festive, winter season.”

The Met Office has placed the whole county under a yellow weather warning during this timeframe.

It means there could be longer journey times or cancellations with road, rail, air and ferry services all having the potential to be affected.

Meteorologists also say there is a “slight chance” of damage to buildings, flooding and power cuts.

The Met Office says: “Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

A similar lights display at Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst is running “as scheduled”.

On it’s website, a spokesman said: “Please dress appropriately for the winter weather, wear suitable footwear and bring a torch. Take a look at our frequently asked questions for more information to help plan your visit.

“Any decision to close the trail for the day will be taken by 2pm each day.”

Several disgruntled customers have commented on Leeds Castle’s Facebook page about the announcement.

Last year, the same event was cancelled cancelled due to bad weather.

The planned closure of a busy motorway junction, for a new safety barrier to be installed, has been called off due to stormy weather.

Junction 1 of the M20, also known as the Swanley Interchange, was set to shut this weekend for safety improvements.

More than 350 metres of upgraded central reservation safety barrier was due to be fitted close to its connection with junction three of the M25.

But the closure to allow the works, which had been planned at junction 1 between the slip roads from 10pm on Friday, December 6 until 5.30am on Monday, December 9, has now been cancelled.