Cream Classical shows at Liverpool Cathedral have been cancelled due to severe weather affecting the region. The events, scheduled for tonight, Friday, October 23, and tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, were called off following a safety assessment and the decision to close the cathedral on Saturday.
Weather warnings and safety measures
Strong winds are hitting the region, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for Merseyside until 9pm on Friday. Gusts could reach between 45mph and 55mph. A second yellow weather warning is in place from midday Saturday until 9pm on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Liverpool Cathedral said: “Due to severe weather conditions and following a further safety assessment, Liverpool Cathedral will be CLOSED tomorrow, Saturday, October 24.
“We recognise this may cause inconvenience and disappointment, but the safety of our visitors, worshippers, staff and volunteers must come first.
“In addition, both Cream Classical shows (Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October) have also been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions.
“We will continue to review the situation ahead of Sunday’s opening and provide a further update.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”
Other events affected
Several other events and attractions across Liverpool have been affected by the adverse weather. The opening night of Liverpool’s River of Light festival has been cancelled due to strong winds. The free light festival was due to run from Friday, October 23, until Sunday, November 1, with this year’s theme, “Together”. Delivered by Culture Liverpool, the 2026 event features 13 artworks, including nine new installations, across the city centre.
A statement shared on social media said: “WEATHER UPDATE! “Due to the deteriorating weather conditions caused by Storm Austen, this evening's River of Light event has now been cancelled in the interests of safety. “Please keep an eye on our social channels for any further event updates over the weekend.” Organisers have advised visitors to check official social media channels for further updates.
Liverpool City Council has confirmed that both Lark Lane Farmers Market and the Lark Lane Craft Market have been cancelled due to the weather. Garston Market, due to take place on Friday, October 23, was also cancelled because of forecast strong winds. The council confirmed the decision, adding that the market is expected to return as usual next week. Great Homer Street Market remains scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24, from 7am to 3pm.
Spooky Welly Walk and Speke Hall closures
The annual Spooky Welly Walk, scheduled to take place at Sefton Park on Saturday, October 24, has been cancelled. The Halloween event has brought families together for 15 years, raising money for people affected by lung cancer. Last year's event raised £83,000 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the charity, said: “We know how much families look forward to Spooky Welly Walk, and we’re so sorry to disappoint everyone who planned to join us. Our team and volunteers have spent months preparing, but the safety of everyone attending must come first.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who bought tickets, asked friends and family to sponsor them, or offered their time to help. That kindness is what makes this event so special. Last year, Spooky Welly Walk raised £83,000 to help fund our work. Losing this year’s event is a significant blow, but the need for our support continues. People are still receiving a lung cancer diagnosis and turning to us for information, reassurance, and someone to talk to.
“Although our work reaches people across the UK, Liverpool is our home, and there’s something special about the Scouse way of coming together and looking after others. Local families are part of that kindness, and we’re so grateful to have you all behind us. If you can make a donation, please help. Whatever you can give will help us continue to be there for people affected by lung cancer. We look forward to welcoming families back next year.”
All ticket holders are being contacted directly. Those who wish to support the charity can still donate to its fundraising appeal.
Speke Hall will remain closed until Monday, October 26, at the earliest, with the National Trust property and its grounds shut throughout the weekend due to strong winds. The site announced the closure on Instagram on Thursday, October 22, after forecast wind gusts exceeded the thresholds set out in its high winds policy.
A statement said: “Forecast wind gusts have exceeded the thresholds set out in our High Winds Policy. Speke Hall and its grounds will therefore be closed this weekend to ensure the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff. We expect to reopen on Monday, October 26, following post-storm safety inspections. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for updates.” Visitors are advised to check Speke Hall’s website and social media channels before travelling.
