On Saturday, December 7, 2024, Leeds cherished Christmas Market in City Square was forced to close for the day due to severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh. The decision, prioritizing the safety of visitors and vendors, was influenced by forecasts predicting strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Leeds City Council announced that, in addition to the City Square market, other festive attractions including the Ice Cube rink, stalls, and rides in Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, and Victoria Gardens would also remain closed on Saturday.
The Wheel of Light, an illuminated big wheel, was among the attractions halted, while the Artisan Market on Bond Court faced a full weekend closure due to the anticipated storm. The council emphasized that the well-being of staff and patrons was paramount and advised the public to check Visit Leeds or Leeds City Council’s social media channels for updates before planning visits on Sunday. Affected ice rink customers were to be contacted directly regarding refunds.
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for Leeds, effective from 3 pm on Friday, December 6, until 6 am on Sunday, December 8. This alert cautioned residents about potential disruptions due to strong winds associated with Storm Darragh, highlighting risks such as flying debris and possible injuries.
The closure of Leeds Christmas Market was part of a broader pattern of event cancellations across Yorkshire in response to the storm. York’s Christmas Market also remained closed on Saturday, with organizers citing unsafe conditions due to anticipated heavy rain and winds reaching up to 55-57 mph. Similarly, the Malton Christmas Festival, scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday, was entirely canceled after assessments deemed the gale-force winds a serious safety concern, especially for traders using gazebos and marquees.
In Leeds, the market organizers expressed understanding of the public’s disappointment but reiterated that the safety of visitors and traders was of utmost importance. They planned to reopen the market on Sunday, December 8, contingent upon weather conditions, and urged the public to monitor official social media channels for the latest updates.
Storm Darragh’s impact extended beyond event cancellations, causing significant disruptions across Yorkshire. Gusts exceeding 50 mph were recorded in areas like Topcliffe, near Ripon, and Leeming, leading to travel delays. CrossCountry trains passing through Sheffield and Leeds experienced delays exceeding an hour due to speed restrictions, and LNER services to London were similarly affected. Additionally, the River Esk flooded at locations such as Danby and Lealholm, prompting North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to respond to incidents, including a person trapped in a vehicle in floodwater in Castleton.
As the region braced for the storm, authorities issued multiple flood warnings and alerts. York City Council advised residents to avoid riverside paths, and a flood alert was in place along the North Yorkshire coast, from Whitby to Filey, with gusts surpassing 70 mph recorded along the coast on Saturday night.
The temporary closure of Leeds Christmas Market and other festive events across Yorkshire underscored the challenges posed by severe weather conditions. Organizers and authorities prioritized public safety, making difficult decisions to cancel or postpone events. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, such proactive measures are essential to ensure the well-being of communities and the continuity of cherished traditions.