The Bureau of Meteorology advised council on Wednesday that during the afternoon on Friday Cessnock is likely to experience both wind and rain.

Mayor Bob Pynsent said he was disappointed at the cancellation but welcomed the forecast for rain.

“It’s a tough call but we need to ensure community members are kept safe and this would be extremely difficult with the current weather predictions,” he said.

“We know there will be many disappointed community members on hearing the announcement today and I too share this disappointment.”