Edinburgh's famous Christmas events cancelled

Edinburgh's famous Christmas festival has been called off this year - due to concerns about coronavirus restrictions.

The city's council along with event producers Underbelly say they want to avoid crowds gathering at the city centre attractions.

Thousands of people flock to the city every year to enjoy a festive market, fairground rides and other activities.

It was already confirmed earlier this year that the Hogmanay street party would not be going ahead.

Events will instead be held in a digital form.

Councillor Adam McVey, leader of the local authority, said: "As we’ve continued to adapt to the changing circumstances presented by the pandemic, we’ve continued to work with our partners to develop potential plans for events, which could meet public health guidance, to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory.

"However, as we’ve maintained throughout, our utmost responsibility is to keep our residents safe. Following the latest restrictions and through the development of plans, it became apparent that activities for Christmas were not going to be possible. 

"Christmas is a special time in our city and hugely exciting for individuals and families who take advantage of the city’s winter offer. Whilst we understand the absence of popular events will bring some disappointment, we want to be clear that Edinburgh’s Christmas isn’t cancelled and our businesses right across the city will be offering their usual festive cheer for us to take advantage of.

"We look forward to announcing details of an innovative digital 2020 programme soon to help in these celebrations."

Charlie Wood, director of Underbelly, said: "We very much wanted to bring some festive cheer and light to Edinburgh this Christmas and to support local makers and producers, at the end of what has been a challenging year for everyone.  

"Public health is our absolute number one priority, and with the ongoing uncertainty concerning Covid-19 and the possibility of further restrictions, we have taken the collective and very sad decision with the council, NHS Lothian and Scottish Government not to proceed with this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas sites in the city centre.

"There will be no public events which might encourage gatherings of people at either Edinburgh’s Christmas or Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
 
"We appreciate today’s announcement will be disappointing to the many people, particularly families, who come each year to enjoy the Christmas sites - but we are exploring a different Edinburgh’s Christmas this year which will deliver a series of digital opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy from their own homes. We will share more information on the revised winter festival programme in the near future."