High winds and heavy rain battering the UK have caused travel problems and the cancellation of a swathe of new year events including firework displays, charity swims, and a bathtub race that takes place in Europe’s largest natural harbour.
The predicted strong winds led to the cancellation of displays heralding the arrival of 2025 in places including Blackpool, Newcastle’s quayside, the Isle of Wight, Bangor in north Wales and Ripon in North Yorkshire, joining the already cancelled Hogmanay festival in Edinburgh.
