STORM Darragh dealt a blow to the festive celebrations in St Austell.

Following the enjoyable switching on of the town’s Christmas lights on November 30, organisers were looking forward to another fun afternoon on Saturday.

The St Austell Town Centre Christmas Shopping and Family Fun event, organised by St Austell BID (Business Improvement District) and the White River Place shopping centre with support from St Austell Town Council, was due to include free entertainment on a stage in Alymer Square featuring St Austell Town Band, Elle and The Vandalz.

However, after the amber storm warning for wind was issued, St Austell BID posted a message saying: “Due to the weather warning, we have to cancel our stage and street performances for this Saturday. Safety is always our first priority so we hope you all understand.”

Further Christmas Shopping and Family Fun afternoons are due to take part in the town centre on Saturday, December 14, and Saturday, December 21.

The Santas on a Bike Ride which was due to visit the town centre was also cancelled. The ride usually sees scores of motorcyclists dressed in Santa suits riding into St Austell on their way to the Little Harbour Hospice as they raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.

The Eden Project shut its doors on Saturday because of the storm. In a post, the attraction told those who had been hoping to visit the site: “Due to Storm Darragh, we are closed today. We are very grateful for your understanding – strong winds have caused some damage, but we are thankful all staff have stayed safe.”

Trees were blown down in the St Austell area and power cables came down on the A391 near Bugle Railway Station.

Properties in the wider area suffered power cuts and National Grid was still working to restore power on Monday.