Major festive events in West Dorset are set to go ahead this weekend, despite weather warnings in place. 

Organisers of the Lyme Regis Christmas lights switch-on tomorrow and the Mapperton Christmas Market on both days say they are still going ahead. 

This follows on from a yellow weather warning issued for both wind and rain which will be in place over the county this coming weekend as Storm Bert sweeps in.

Gusts of up to 60mph are expected in some areas, according to the Met Office. 

At 2pm on Saturday, the Christmas lantern workshop in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall will take place. Children and adults are invited to join in the fun and make a lantern.

Then at 4pm, the judging of the lanterns in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall will take place before a performance from the Lyme Regis Majorettes, Fitsteps and Lyme Morris on Broad Street followed by a 5pm parade of Christmas lanterns. 

Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee member, Alan Vian, said: “The lights will be coming on at 5.30pm tomorrow, whether three people or 13,000 people turn up.

“We will still also be having our lantern workshop from 2pm, and our parade at 5pm along the road, which is really positive as other events have had to have been cancelled.”

Organisers of the Mapperton Estate Christmas Market near Beaminster said that they are taking precautions to make the area safer, and are planning to go-ahead with their two-day event. 

It will take place on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 and will feature more than 80 stalls, a live band and Father Christmas.

It will be open from 10am to 6pm on the Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on the Sunday. 

Despite the Christmas lights switch-on being cancelled in Dorchester, a new Christmas Market will held in Brewery Square, running daily from Saturday, November 23 until December 22, from 10am to 7pm. 

A spokesperson for the event said: "This enchanting market will feature over 30 rustic chalets filled with artisan treats, festive food and drink and plenty of gifts, plus daily entertainment, skating and of course, a sprinkle of Christmas magic."