INSWINDON has confirmed the fireworks due to round off tonight's Christmas lights switch-on ceremony with Union J have been cancelled.

Health and safety reasons have been blamed for the decision, with weather having been bad all day.

A spokesman for InSwindon said:

"Following conversations with the Health and Safety team involved with tonight’s Firework Display, it is with regret that we announce that it is deemed unsafe for the display to go ahead.  This decision has been taken based upon the forecast of the wind direction and speed at the planned display site and launch time.  We were hopeful that following storm ‘Barney’ earlier this week, that the winds would drop sufficiently by today in order for us to go ahead with the firework display but unfortunately this is not the case.

"We are disappointed that there will be no fireworks but weather conditions are outside of our control, all other planned activities will go ahead and we are confident that those attending will have a fun packed evening.

"inSwindon would like to confirm that the Christmas Light Switch On will take place this evening from 6.00pm in Wharf Green despite weather conditions.

"The town centre is lined up for a great evening of entertainment from 3.00pm so we are encouraging visitors to  come into town early and join in all the festive fun.

Thousands of people are still expected to pour into Wharf Green tonight for mince pies, egg nog and a sparkling evening filled with live music.

Chart-topping boyband Union J are set to wow onlookers as they take to the stage for a Christmassy set featuring hot hits Carry You, You Got It All and Loving You Is Easy.

Bandmates Josh, Jaymi and JJ will be minus 4th member George who has entered the Australian jungle for I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

inSwindon BID manager Diane Powell said: “Christmas is such a special time for Swindon and we’re thrilled that Union J have chosen to join us for what promises to be an amazing time

“We’ve been in the process of planning the Christmas lights since the beginning of the year, planning the fantastic activities and events that will be happening on the day as well as scoping out the local talent that will be performing.

“There’s no need for tickets, it’s free. Simply wrap up warm. Grab your friends and get ready to have some fun.”

Festivities will kick off at 10am with families invited to have a free photograph taken inside a giant snow globe throughout the day.

Stilt walkers will be handing out glow sticks to shoppers with town bands providing live music in and around the town centre.

Children will also be able to fashion their own Santa hats at the Parade from 3pm with Regent Circus crowds set to be entertained by Swindon Young Musicians from 5pm.

Heart presenters Ben and Mel will open the Wharf Green stage at 6.15pm accompanied by the Gospel Choir and Swindon Dance before Union J’s arrival and sparkling lights switch on.

Shoppers are encouraged to wear their most festive jumpers and share selfies on social media using the hashtag #swindonlightswitchon - follow our live Twitter feed here

Free parking will also be available from 3pm to 9pm every Thursday until the end of January in Brunel North and Fleming Way car parks.

Timetable of events

10am–8pm: The Parade
Free photograph inside the Giant Snow Globe 

3pm: The Parade 
Santa hat making workshop for children 

5pm: Regent Circus 
Swindon Young Musicians

4pm and 5.30pm: The Brunel Shopping Centre
Meet Titan the Robot 

6.15pm onwards: Wharf Green
Heart presenters Ben and Mel
Gospel Choir 
Swindon Dance 
Lights switch-on with Union J
Fireworks display