A “showcase event” at a major Wiltshire tourist attraction will be cancelled this weekend due to heavy weather brought by Storm Bert.

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed on Saturday 23 November due to the forecast of strong winds.

The Festival of Light will be cancelled on that day with event ticket holders promised an automatic refund.

A yellow weather warning is in place for Wiltshire on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24, with winds forecast at speeds over 50mph and heavy rain.

Head of operations, Scott Ashman, said: “Closing the site during one of our showcase events – The Festival of Light - is not a decision taken lightly but safety is paramount and with wind gusts predicted to top 50mph, it was, in the end, a simple one to make.(Image: Newsquest)

“The Festival of Light is a spectacular lantern display with some reaching 12 metres tall and we also have a 15 metre high Christmas Tree. 

“This is in addition to the thousands of trees across the 9000-acre estate, all of which are vulnerable to high winds.

“We have been monitoring the forecasts all week, as we know they can change, and we didn’t want to disrupt people’s plans if that was to happen. 

READ MORE: Historic town market cancelled due to weather safety worries

“However, the forecast has worsened so we took the decision to close today to ensure we gave visitors as much notice as possible.

“We have put in place automatic refunds for everyone who has booked and invited them to reschedule on a day which suits them, if they wish to do so. 

“Naturally rebooking is subject to availability, but we hope the majority can be accommodated.

READ MORE: Mystery surrounds graffiti artist painting pink clouds in Wiltshire town

“We know it will be disappointing for families who have booked to come here but we also know they will understand we must put their safety at the centre of all we do.”

A notice on the website promises that refunds will be made to the payment card within 10 working days.

VIP experience bookings, corporate bookings and coach party organisers will be contacted within two days.

Scott said the estate will continue to monitor the weather situation but are currently planning to reopen on Sunday 24 November with any changes updated on its website www.longleat.co.uk