Thousands of people who have booked a place at tonight’s Black Country Living Museum’s traditional Christmas evening are warned the event has been cancelled due to the bad weather.

Due to problems clearing snow from the site and car parks, and problems with lighting in the severe conditions, museum bosses have called off the nighttime event.

Around 2,300 people had booked a place at the sold-out event, which were due to feature carol singing, street entertainers, market stalls, musical entertainment and brass bands all lit by gas lanterns and candles in the museum’s historic streets.

Museum spokeswoman Fiona Carding said: “Due to the severe snow this evening’s event had to be cancelled. There were problems clearing the snow on the site, particuarly the car parks and lighting in severe conditions.

“The museum offers its deepest apologies to those who have booked tickets.”

She said people would still be able to use their ‘free return’ ticket before January 31, and a full refund would be offered if desired. Alternatively, people can choose a different day to visit over the next 12 months.

Anyone who would like to claim a refund can call the museum’s ticket office on  0121 557 9643 between 10am and 4pm.

People who are booked on tomorrow’s and Wednesday’s events are advised to check the website for updates at: www.bclm.co.uk.