Day: November 5, 2023

Enjoy some early festive cheer with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks

FANCY VIENNA OR PRAGUE CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

–          Explore the most magical Christmas market destinations in Europe this winter, with the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of European city breaks

–          Seven magical Christmas market destinations on sale for Winter 23/24 from ten UK airports

–          Popular programme of scheduled festive flights and once-in-a-lifetime trips take off this month!

It is Christmas next month and holidaymakers looking to get into the festive spirit should look no further than Jet2.com andJet2CityBreaks, as the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of European city breaks has a fantastic selection of Christmas market destinations on sale for Winter 23.

The companies will start operating scheduled services and dedicated once-in-a-lifetime trips to seven of Europe’s best Christmas market destinations in Europe – Vienna, Copenhagen, Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Prague and Krakow this month.

Sprinkling plenty of festive cheer into their programme, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are offering flights and trips to these popular Christmas market destinations from ten UK airports (Belfast International, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle International Airports) for Winter 23/24.

With a programme of scheduled flights and dedicated trips on sale to these Christmas hotspots, customers have plenty of opportunity to enjoy a festive jaunt this winter. This year marks the first time that the companies have operated scheduled services and trips to Christmas market destinations from Bristol and London Stansted Airports.

The unrivalled programme features eight new routes – Birmingham to Cologne, Bristol to Prague, Bristol to Vienna, Edinburgh to Vienna, Edinburgh to Prague, Leeds Bradford to Copenhagen, London Stansted to Prague and London Stansted to Vienna.

With multiple weekly services on sale and friendly flight times, customers have complete choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting the most charming Christmas markets in Europe – whether it is for a weekend, long weekend or longer.

The full Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks Christmas Markets programme for Winter 23/24 is as follows:

Belfast International Airport:

  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague operating from 1st  to 18th December with Monday and Friday services available for Winter 23.

Birmingham Airport:

  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to BRAND-NEW Cologne with up to three-weekly services operating between 6th December and 22nd December.
  • Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Vienna operating during winter.
  • Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) operating during the winter to Budapest and Krakow, on top of four-weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) to Prague.

Bristol Airport:

  • BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with Thursday and Sunday services available from 30th November to 17th December.
  • BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and city breaks to Vienna too with Monday and Friday services operating from 24th November to 18th December.

Edinburgh Airport:

  • NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.

·       NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with two weekly service from 30th November to 17th December.

East Midlands:

  • Twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) operating to Krakow throughout the winter.
  • Two weekly flights (Monday and Friday) also available to Prague during the winter.

Glasgow Airport:

  • Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Krakow available from Glasgow Airport during Winter 23.
  • Scheduled services also operating twice-weekly (Thursday and Sunday) to Prague.

Leeds Bradford Airport:

  • NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Copenhagen with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 18th December.
  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 18th December.
  • In addition, there are also two weekly services operating to Budapest and Krakow and four weekly services to Prague for Winter 23.

London Stansted Airport:

  • BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 30th November to 17th December.
  • Also NEW for Winter 23 is a mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.

Manchester Airport:

  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Cologne with up to three-weekly flights from 24th November to 2nd January.
  • In addition, there are also two weekly services to Vienna, five weekly services to Krakow and Prague and six weekly services to Budapest this winter, offering plenty of opportunity for customers to experience a Christmas market in one of these destinations.

Newcastle International Airport:

  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
  • Also available is a mini-series of flights and breaks to Budapest, thanks to Thursday and Sunday services operating from 23rd November to 17th December.
  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Cologne with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 11th December.
  • Mini-series of flights and breaks to Copenhagen also available with two-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
  • A mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna means up to two-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
  • More opportunity for customers to visit the Christmas markets in Krakow and Prague with two weekly services to the European Christmas market destinations for Winter 23.

When booking a Christmas Market trip, customers can choose from a flight-only option with Jet2.com or an ATOL protected package holiday with Jet2CityBreaks, available for a low £60 per person deposit.

Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include flights with Jet2.com including 22kg hold luggage, as well as a choice of 2-5 star hotels in central locations, providing the perfect base from which to explore and experience the best Christmas market destinations in Europe.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks said: “With 25th December just around the corner, thoughts are turning to Christmas and people are looking to get into the festive spirit.

“There is no better way to countdown to Christmas, than by visiting a Christmas market in one of Europe’s most magical destinations in Europe. Every year, our Christmas Markets programme proves extremely popular, and this year is no different, with us seeing strong demand once again.

“Our first flights take off this month, however it is not too late to secure a festive getaway. With so much choice and flexibility, Europe’s most magical Christmas destinations are easy to reach with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks.”

Sample packages:

Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Cologne City, 4+ star Hilton Cologne, 3 nights room-only departing from Birmingham on 14th December 2023.

Price: £579 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Hungary, Budapest City, 4+ star Continental Hotel Budapest, 3 nights room-only departing from Birmingham on 18 December 2023.

Price: £429 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Ibis Praha Mala Strana, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Bristol on 14th December 2023.

Price: £349 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 3 star Ibis Wien Mariahilf, 3 nights room-only departing from Bristol on 15 December 2023.

Price: £499 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 4 star Hotel Galileo, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Edinburgh on 14th December 2023.

Price: £479 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 4 star Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof, 3 nights room-only departing from Edinburgh on 14th December 2023.

Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Prague Centre Superior, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from East Midlands on 15th December 2023.

Price: £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Poland, Krakow City, 3 star Hotel Wyspianski, 3 nights room-only departing from East Midlands on 21 December 2023.

Price: £299 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Ibis Praha Mala Strana, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Glasgow on 14 December 2023.

Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Poland, Krakow City, 4 star MR67 Mayera Rapaporta, 3 nights room-only departing from Glasgow on 15th December 2023.

Price: £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.  

Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Berlin City, 3 star Best Western Hotel Am Spittelmarkt, 3 nights room-only departing from Leeds Bradford on 15th December 2023.

Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Denmark, Copenhagen City, 4 star Andersen Boutique Hotel, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Leeds Bradford on 14 December 2023.

Price: £569 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Cologne City, 4 star Pullman Cologne, 3 nights room-only departing from Manchester on 05 December 2023.

Price: £689 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Hungary, Budapest City, 3+ star The Three Corners Hotel Anna, 3 nights Bed & Breakfast departing from Manchester on 19 December 2023.

Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Berlin City, 4+ star Eurostars Berlin, 3 nights room-only departing from Newcastle International on 14th December 2023.

Price: £589 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Denmark, Copenhagen City, 4 star Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, 3 nights room-only departing from Newcastle International on 14th December 2023.

Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Prague Centre Superior, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from London Stansted on 14 December 2023.

Price: £359 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 3 star Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer, 3 nights room-only departing from London Stansted on 07 December 2023.

Price: £619 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.

All prices and availability correct at the time of issue.                                                                 

For further information and to book visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2citybreaks.com 

Increased support offered to Scottish families in relationship crisis across the country

Latest figures from Relationships Scotland show continued fallout from pandemic and cost of living crisis are having a negative impact on family life

Support for Scottish families seeking help to deal with relationship difficulties and family breakdown has increased by almost 40% in the last year, according to Relationships Scotland.

Relationships Scotland, the largest provider of relationship support in the country, has published its Annual Review highlighting the increase in support being offered to couples with relationship problems.

The figures for 2022/23 show that across the charity’s network of 21 member services, 86,000 hours of direct support were delivered, increasing from 62,000 the previous year. The figures also show the network provided support to over 14,400 people across the country, up from 13,850 in 2021/22.

Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotland said: “There is no doubt the pandemic and the cost of living crisis have put a strain on families and relationships, and these figures are a stark reminder of how acute this strain is.

“This is a significant increase in hours of support across the whole country, and while it paints a worrying picture of the pressures being felt across the nation, we are encouraged that people feel they have somewhere to turn, and are seeking help to deal with these issues.”

The Relationships Scotland network has a strong focus on early intervention and prevention, working with families as early as possible to support them to look at the issues they are facing and helping them avoid problems spiralling. The work of the 21 member services across the country is supported by around 900 people, including over 400 volunteers.

Stuart Valentine added: “The importance of positive and resilient relationships can not be underestimated, with the damage caused by relationship breakdown estimated to cost the Scottish economy around £3.5b each year.”

Auld Reekie Roller Derby: Double Header Home Game 

Auld Reekie Roller Derby are hosting a double header of live roller derby at Dalkeith Community Campus on Sunday 19th November.

Roller derby is a fast-paced full contact team sport, played on quad roller skates. It requires speed, strategy, and athleticism, and is one of the world’s fastest growing female sports.

Founded in 2008, this will be the club’s final home game in their 15th Anniversary year, and they expect big crowds from their loyal fans.

The two-game day, entitled ‘Stranger Spins’, with an 80s ‘Stranger Things’ theme, kicks off at 12:30pm. The first game is between challenger teams, which include skaters playing their first public game, and the second headliner game sees friendly rivals Auld Reekie All Star Reserves take on nearby Dundee Roller Derby.

A family-friendly event, there will also be food vendors, half time games and merchandise sellers. The 80s tunes will be playing and crowds are encouraged to wear their best 80s fashions!

Local Edinburgh skater Annie Bechtel will be playing her first public game and is feeling excited, “I thought it would be at least a year till I was even close to competing with Auld Reekie, so I’m delighted to be on the team.

“I’m nervous, but there is always such a great atmosphere from the crowd.”

Annie, whose roller derby nickname is Timber, on account of the fact that “I fall down a lot, and I’m tall”, started the Auld Reekie skater training programme in December 2022.

She sustained an injury, but that wasn’t enough to put her off the full contact sport: “I’ve recovered, made it through the next round of skater training, and am ready to skate my best!”

Don’t miss out on Auld Reekie Roller Derby’s thrilling home game, book your tickets now at: http://www.universe.com/events/stranger-spins-tickets-7C1D23

Shoring up travel

VisitScotland and DFDS unveil latest partnership marketing campaign to help encourage year-round travel

The beauty and benefits of a holiday in Scotland during autumn, winter and spring are being showcased to visitors from the Netherlands and Germany, as part of a new marketing partnership between VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways.

The new digital campaign aims to inspire potential visitors to Scotland by ferry, using DFDS Seaways routes connecting mainland Europe to the UK, by highlighting the unique sights and experiences on offer at this time of year.

Visitors travelling during the traditional off-season months can enjoy a stunning array of colours as the seasons change, clear dark skies and cosying up by the fireside after a long day exploring.

The campaign plays on a sense of adventure, appealing to those thinking of Scotland for a touring holiday with their car, motorbike or motorhome with the call to action to travel to Scotland with DFDS on their Amsterdam to Newcastle service.

Inspirational videos have been running across social media platforms Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram since the end of August. The campaign is taking advantage of automated technology media buying platforms Quantcast and Dentsu Programmatic to target and reach potential consumers more effectively with relevant online display advertising. The aim is to ensure Scotland and DFDS are front of mind with those booking a last-minute trip in 2023 and those thinking ahead to spring 2024.

The campaign has included regional imagery from across Scotland, including the South of Scotland, Edinburgh & the Lothians, Aberdeenshire, Arran, and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, based on insights that show German and Dutch visitors like to tour far and wide when they travel to Scotland.

The initial campaign came to an end on 22 October. It will be followed up by two additional campaigns, delivered in partnership with Visit East Lothian and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance that will run until November.

These smaller campaigns will take advantage of the warmed-up audience to drive further regional spread off the earlier activity.

This latest activity continues a decade-long partnership with DFDS Seaways and aims to build on the success of previous joint campaigns to help support the continued and responsible recovery of the industry.

In 2022, Scotland welcomed 236,000 German visitors, who generated £171m tourism spend that year, as well as 212,000 Dutch visitors who generated £135m spend that year.

VisitScotland Director of Marketing & Digital Vicki Miller said: “Last year record numbers of international visitors chose the October to December period to travel to Scotland, so we know the appetite for our lochs, glens and historic landmarks is strong right across the year.

“Partnership working is at the heart of what we do and our collaboration with DFDS Seaways will help drive international tourism from these key European markets.

“Our marketing aims to connect with visitors, drawing on their emotions and showing them what a visit to Scotland’s diverse regions can feel like year-round. We want all destinations to benefit from tourism and this is reflected in our marketing activity promoting responsible travel in Scotland, including practical information and advice to visitors travelling by caravan and motorhome.”

“International visitors are absolutely key to bringing in revenue for businesses during the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, helping to build on the shoots of recovery in tourism and events, one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.”

Philipp Päper, DFDS Seaways Head of Route Marketing North Sea said: “Our partnership with VisitScotland is a perfect match thanks to DFDS’ presence in the Netherlands and Germany, and VisitScotland’s expertise on Scotland’s beautiful destinations.

“The Amsterdam-Newcastle route provides continental travellers the ideal way to get to their Scottish travel destinations stress-free year-round. Passengers are set to benefit greatly from our partnership campaign, as welcoming them to our DFDS ferries means that they can start their holiday the moment they step aboard.

“They can count on a best-in-class service, with a variety of restaurants, entertainment options and even Duty Free shopping onboard”

David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), said: “The South of Scotland is an unmissable destination 365 days a year and we’re really eager to get the word out about how much there is to see, do and experience in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in every season.

“The SSDA is delighted to be working with VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways on this collaboration to highlight our incredible region to overseas visitors and show them that Scotland really does start here.”

Elaine Carmichael, on behalf of Visit East Lothian said: “East Lothian is ideally placed for visitors arriving by DFDS Seaways to the North of England and, as well as being a base for holidays, makes the ideal start or end point for their trip to Scotland.

” This campaign sits well with our key markets, and we know from attending trade shows and our work with the travel trade industry that there is a real appetite from German and Dutch visitors for all that East Lothian has to offer.

“We are delighted to be taking part in this initiative in partnership with VisitScotland and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance to showcase our regions and bring benefits to our businesses over the autumn and winter months.”

The adverts drive traffic to custom in-language landing pages on:

www.visitscotland.com

For advice on responsible travel, visit:

www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/responsible-tourism

Edinburgh Leisure has Christmas all wrapped up

Gift the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas – a year’s membership to Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play centres across the city!

The perfect solution for grandparents, godparents, and aunts and uncles who are fed-up of giving ‘plastic fantastic’ gifts that are surplus to needs, instead inspire the kids to get the active habit and sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age. Their parents will thank you for it.

Costing £179 for 12 months, the annual soft play membership means little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, which will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years.  Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.

With great member benefits including special offers, members’ events, discounts to popular seasonal parties and other exclusive perks, the annual Edinburgh Leisure soft play is available to buy in venue or online. Purchasers will be presented with a Christmas Gift Card, which can then be given to the child.

Find out more – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/soft-play

Sign up the kids up for a year of unlimited fun here.

November News from Heart of Newhaven

Autumn is truly upon us and with autumn comes tidying up the garden. Here at the Heart, a volunteer team from British Gas worked hard in the grounds last month and seemed to enjoy themselves – they want to come back next year anyway!

Tools  were borrowed from the Tool Library and a tremendous amount was achieved: encroaching vegetation on the decking behind the Anchor Building was cut back and part of the decking covered in chicken wire to prevent slips; hedges were trimmed, litter was picked and rotten planters and sheds were demolished or righted as necessary.

A van load of prunings was removed, but there was still a lot of green waste.

Some of this was chopped into rubble bags and the rest was piled out of sight next to the garden shed. Perhaps we can make a bug hotel out of it.

There’s still work to do, of course, including digging out the mugwort and finishing the chicken wire, so if you’d like to get involved, remember that the gardening group meets every Thursday morning, from 10 till 1

.Remember too to dress for the weather! It is autumn, after all.

Halloween ceilidh

Autumn also means that witches, fairies, ghosts and pumpkins  were to be found reeling and wheeling at our Halloween Family Ceilidh on Saturday 28thOctober.

Head witch Norma was in charge of proceedings, ably assisted by under-witch Leslie, who looked after the dooking for apples while both children and adults had their faces painted by Ailie, and were fed by loads of spookily decorated biscuits and cakes supplied by Lesley and the Ukrainian Spiders.  

There were plenty of other helpers on hand to assist and everyone commented on the warmth of the event and how family-friendly it was. Don’t miss the next one!

Oyster Day Celebration

Around 70 people came along to celebrate the native oyster and took part in Restoration Forth’s marine-themed craft activities on Saturday 21st October.

They were treated to a performance by the Newhaven Choir and were able to learn the fascinating history of oysters in Edinburgh and catch up on what is being done to restore the oyster beds and the health of the river Forth.

Photos: Espen Helland

Coming up:

Fair Saturday, 25th November

Every last Saturday of November, the day after Black Friday, people in different parts of the world join together by supporting a social project of their choice. Here at the Heart we will be joining in and promoting fairness and social equality through our various offerings.

Come along on Saturday 25th and look at the tremendous amount of objects recently made or repaired by the Men’s Shed. They will be for sale at fair prices.

Similarly, the History of Education Centre will be offering many surplus objects from their collection, such as old school posters and books, in return for donations.

There will be plenty of other offerings. Come along, have a cuppa and investigate.

Cyrenian Lunch Club, Mondays

Starting on Monday 6th November, and running weekly thereafter, the Cyrenian Lunch Club will be taking place at the Heart from 12.30 till 2pm. The Cyrenians try to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness and the launch of the new lunch club is simply one part of that. The lunches are free and open to all.

They’ll be serving a nutritious two-course meal along with tea/coffee. Some weeks there will also be entertainment to enjoy. Simply turn up.

There’s no need to book unless you have specific dietary requirements they need to know of in advance, in which case contact amandasomerville@cyrenians.scot or call 0131 554 3900

New Pilates classes

We have a new offering on Saturdays at the Heart. Kirsty Pollock is offering Community Pilates for beginners/improvers and complete beginners on Saturday mornings.  Contact Kirsty at kpollock008@gmail.com or call her on 07842657411.  Classes start at 10am and 11am. You can just drop in and try it or sign up for a block of classes.

Folk Club

Leith Folk Club have made their regular home with us and their next gig is coming up on Tuesday 7thNovember. This event is part of a special John Renbourn Project Tour and will feature guitarists Clive Carroll and Dariush Kanani. Doors open at 7.30 for an eight o’clock start and remember it’s not just for members. Anyone is welcome.  Tickets on the door. Check their website for more details.

Reminiscence

Come along and share your memories with the Reminiscence group.

Next dates are 23rd November and 21st December, 10.30 – 11.13.

Free to attend, with a different theme each time.

Coffee at the Heart

Join us for a cuppa and biscuits on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 9  – 12.  Remember that on Wednesdays Ace-It will be there with free advice and support for problems with your laptop, phone or tablet.

Ginger

Children’s show at the Heart.

We are looking forward to seeing a performance from partners, Tortoise in a Nutshell.

Saturday 2nd December

Performances at 10.30 – 11.30am and 1.45 – 2.45pm

Cost: ‘Pay what you think’

Ginger tells the tale of a misshapen gingerbread man ,discarded and marked for the bin. We follow Ginger a he tries to find his place in a kitchen where all confectionery looks the same.  

Dynamic puppetry, multi-sensory performance and immersive soundscape combine to create an anarchic adventure for families and 3-7year olds.

Ginger on Vimeo

Wine Tasting Night

Tickets are extremely limited and are online only.

£15 per person (plus Eventbrite booking fee).

Tickets available via this link https://tinyurl.com/4ee4955c

All-star comedy line-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 

Get ready to giggle your way into the new year as organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay announce an all-star line-up for its Ho Ho Hogmanay comedy show on Friday 29 December.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, presented by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, will run Friday 29 December 2023 – Monday 1 January 2024.

Ho Ho Hogmanay marks a welcome return for Hogmanay celebrations at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms and will close the first day of the four-day festival for the New Year.  

The line-up for the evening will be hosted by Live at the Apollo’s Emmanuel Sonubi, and will feature Edinburgh’s Hogmanay alumnus and Scottish comedy royalty Susie McCabe alongside her compatriots, award-winning Larry Dean, and the inimitable Fred MacAulay. 

Emmanuel Sonubi is the epitome of the phrase ‘star of the future’, This year he was nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards after being nominated for Best Newcomer the previous year. He recently hosted Live at the Apollo and appeared on Have I Got News For You. In the near future he will appear in an episode of QI and Celebrity Pointless, Rosie Jones’ new show Out of Order and lastly Rhod Gilberts Growing Pains. Working with the likes of Jason Manford, Jack Whitehall, Romesh Ranganathan and John Bishop, and with over 10 million views online, Emmanuel is quickly becoming a household name.   

Emmanuel Sonubi looked forward to the event, saying: “Edinburgh is one of my favourite places to perform. It’s where I was nominated for Best Newcomer and then Best Show from the lovely people at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. “So it’s an absolute pleasure to be invited to perform at the iconic Assembly Rooms where I have seen some of the best comedians of my lifetime perform. I can’t wait!” 

Susie McCabe’s rise through the ranks of stand-up has been nothing short of meteoric. Her brilliant storytelling, acute observations and killer punchlines have made her one of the most sought-after performers in the UK.

She has supported the likes of Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle, Ardal O’Hanlon, John Bishop and Jason Manford on their national tours. A firm festival favourite, Susie has enjoyed five sell-out shows at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and continues to be the fastest-selling artist at the festival, selling out 2 nights at the Glasgow King’s Theatre as well as venues up and down Scotland.  

In addition to her set at Ho Ho Hogmanay, Susie McCabe will repeat her MC duties from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2022/23 with an appearance at the Concert in the Gardens on 31 December 2023. 

A hot ticket on the touring circuit, Larry Dean has performed his shows across the UK and Ireland to jam-packed rooms. Larry’s fanbase is international, as a regular at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Christchurch Buskers Festival, Perth Fringeworld and the invitation-only Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.  

Having presented the very funny and eventful MacAulay and Co. on BBC Radio Scotland for almost 18 years and with a string of tv appearances, Fred MacAuley’s on-air witticisms and on-screen reputation are the product of years of experience on the live circuit, including a stint as the first ever-Scottish compere at the Comedy Store in London. 

Ho Ho Hogmanay will close the first day of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay four-day programme to bring in the New Year. Earlier on 29 December, an anticipated 20,000 people will shine a light on homelessness at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession with official charity partner Social Bite, blazing a trail through the capital’s Old Town.  

Celebrations continue with Night Afore Revels and the Night Afore Disco Party on 30 December.

On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms with an all-night ceilidh and live band party with Massaoke, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 50,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests Hot Chip (DJ set).

The four-day programme comes to a close on Monday 1 January 2024 with the family friendly Sprogmanay and family ceilidh, and First Footin’ Culture Trail in selected venues around the city.  

Further information and tickets for Ho Ho Hogmanay and all events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations are available now from:

 www.edinburghshogmanay.com. 

King’s Speech ‘to deliver a brighter future for the country’

New laws ‘to set the country on the right path for the long-term’ will be revealed in next week’s King’s Speech

New laws to ‘set the country on the right path for the long-term’ will be revealed in next week’s King’s Speech.

The Speech will focus on putting in the right laws, where we need them, to safeguard the future prosperity of the United Kingdom, seize economic opportunities and deliver a brighter future.

Ahead of the Autumn Statement later this month, the measures in the King’s Speech will build on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, safeguard our energy independence, ensure the UK is fully securing the benefits of Brexit and build the most competitive and supportive environment for businesses to capitalise on new technologies.

Together they will help ensure our country is more prosperous, more innovative, more secure, and ready to seize the bright future that the British people deserve, the government says.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This will be the first King’s Speech in seventy years and the legislation we will bring forward is part of our plan to build a better future for the next seventy.

“Just as I have done with energy security, net zero, illegal migration and HS2, the King’s Speech will take the long-term decisions to address the challenges this country faces, not the easy way out with short-term gimmicks.  

“As we take the necessary steps to halve inflation and reduce debt, we will legislate to grow the economy, by supporting innovative businesses and protecting consumers.

“To make the real change this country needs, we will bring forward bills that strengthen our society, help people feel safer in their own communities and give a sense of pride in the place they call home.”

The King’s Speech will also include a package of measures focused on strengthening our society and helping people to feel safe in their communities and will ‘build on progress to date delivering record numbers of police officers and ensuring perpetrators of anti-social behaviour face swift and more visible justice’. 

The Westminster government says this is on top of the existing support to the NHS – ‘meaning those who fall sick will get the care they need. With record funding and backing its long-term workforce plan, we will train more doctors, more nurses, more dentists and more GPs than ever before’.

In addition to setting out the legislative programme, the Tory government says the King’s Speech will reconfirm their commitment to promoting and protecting our national interests.

They say last week’s AI Safety Summit showed how the UK is leading the world to ensure the development of safe AI, and that the AUKUS submarine alliance with partners Australia and the United States continues to strengthen global security and will create jobs for people in the UK.

The State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday follows the delivery of 39 Government bills in the last Parliamentary session, including new laws to stop the boats, grow the economy, support families and deliver on the priorities that matter most to the country.

Seven bills will be carried over to complete their passage in the next session. This includes the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill which will modernise regulation so firms can grow and boost competition in the UK.

Legislation will also deliver a fairer and higher quality private rented sector for both tenants and landlords with the Renters (Reform) Bill helping ensure people live in decent, safe and secure homes.

The Holocaust Memorial Bill and the Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill will ensure the Holocaust and its victims are never forgotten and prevent public bodies from implementing their own politically motivated boycotts of foreign countries.

The Conservative Party has been in government for twelve years …