South Yorkshire Christmas concert headlined by X Factor contestant tonight cancelled due to 'public safety' concern

The festive show was due to take place in Barnsley town centre later but forecasts of high winds and rain have caused the event to be cancelled.

The Barnsley Council-organised extravaganza had been organised as a way of replacing the town's Christmas lights switch-on event in November - which itself had been cancelled due to bad weather.

A council spokesperson said: "It's with deep regret that we've made the decision to cancel tonight’s Christmas Concert with Holly Tandy and guests, in the interests of public safety.

"On the basis of information currently available from the Met Office forecasting high winds and rain, we’re unable to hold the event as planned. The forecast shows winds with gusts of up to 41mph between the hours of 6pm and 7pm this evening.

"We apologise for any disappointment this may cause but public safety is our primary concern. Businesses will be open as usual for late night shopping."

The event had been billed as an 'exciting Christmas concert' that would have seen Barnsley teenager Tandy topping the bill alongside performances from other entertainers.