city centre – Page 12 – The NEN

Filmhouse celebrates 1st Birthday

ACROSS JUNE AND JULY, SCOTLAND’S FLAGSHIP CINEMA, FILMHOUSE IN EDINBURGH CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF ITS DOORS BEING REOPENED

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE IAN RANKIN AND JUSTIN JOHN DOHERTY IN CONVERSATION ON NIC ROEG’S ICONIC DON’T LOOK NOW

SPECIAL SCREENINGS OF BIG SCREEN CLASSICS 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MMAND CINEMA PARADISO AND NEW HOMEGROWN GEMS INCLUDING THE FALL OF SIR DOUGLAS WEATHERFORD

A FILM LOVERS PARADISE WITH PROJECTION BOX TOURS, LIVE MUSIC AND SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ACROSS THE CINEMA’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse is marking one year of its doors being reopened to the public with a special series of birthday events which celebrate the big screen experience.

Across June, the cinema’s 1^st birthday day weekend of 26^th – 28^th June and into July, Filmhouse will screen an extra special selection of films and events showcasing all that the cinema has to offer and is loved for.

Stanley Kubrick’s seminal 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968) will screen from 5 June in eye-popping 70mm alongside new cinematic visions screening in June including the darkly funny and eccentric new feature The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford from Edinburgh-born filmmaker Sean Robert Dunn starring Scottish screen legend Peter Mullan.

Other new films coming to the cinema soon include Steven Spielberg’s hotly anticipated Disclosure Day, Rohan Kanawade’s beautifully romantic Cactus Pears and back on the big screen, Paul Thomas Anderson’s cult hit Boogie Nights.

Audiences will also be treated to the first film that screened at the cinema when it reopened in June last year: an ode to the beauty of the cinemagoing experience, Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso (1988).

On 3 July, Filmhouse is excited to present a special screening of Nic Roeg’s iconic film Don’t Look Now followed by novelist Ian Rankin in conversation with writer Justin John Doherty to discuss Justin’s new book described as a ‘literary love letter’ to the film, Don’t Look Now and Then.

The discussion will not only touch upon their mutual love and fascination for the film, but also the detective work behind putting this sort of book together, finding the people who were there 50 years ago and uncovering never before seen archive and images that were thought lost to time.

The cinema’s recently launched We’ve Got a Cinema and We’re Not Afraid to Use It strand will see members vote on classic films that they are most excited to see on the big screen alongside the Team Birthday Picks strand which showcases staff favourites as well as highlights from across the programme since the cinema’s doors reopened.

Across the birthday weekend, cineastes can also get a glimpse into the hallowed ground of the Filmhouse’s projection boxes and there will be evening birthday party celebrations with live music. There will be special discounts on food and drink over the birthday weekend to coincide with the launch of a brand-new menu in the Filmhouse Bar Café.

Exclusive rewards will also run up to and across the birthday weekend for Filmhouse members, including the chance to be entered into a draw to win a Filmhouse lifetime membership. Special themed children’s screenings, craft activities, family face painting and games will take place as well as lots of birthday cake!

Filmhouse reopened to the public on 27 June 2025 after a remarkable three-year campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Scotland and around the world and by A-list film talent including patrons Jack Lowden and Charlotte Wells, as well as Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.

Filmhouse continues to be celebrated as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing world cinema in all its brilliance and diversity, from crowd-pleasing favourites and to avant-garde arthouse works, restored classics, and curated retrospectives.

With, a total capacity of 350 seats, the four-screen cinema is a hub for film enthusiasts, offering a cutting-edge cinematic experience, a vibrant social space, and a platform for film lovers and filmmakers to engage with the very best in global cinema.

Filmhouse’s technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.

Built in a repurposed church on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, Filmhouse has been a cinematic landmark since 1978. Following a £2 million refurbishment, Scotland’s leading independent cinema has been thriving since its reopening under new leadership and a vision which builds on the venue’s legacy as a space for learning and discovery, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for this iconic cultural landmark.

The completely refurbished Filmhouse Bar seats 100 people for lunch and dinner, with drinks available throughout the day, catering for many different communities with a welcoming atmosphere, and an emphasis on produce from Edinburgh and Scotland, offering great food and drink alongside environmental sustainability.

The glorious story of Filmhouse continues.

Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said:”The first year of the new Filmhouse has been quite a ride. Since June 2025, 125,000 people have sat down to watch a film here, and more than 200,000 have walked through the doors of our building.

“Re-establishing Filmhouse as a place for people to meet, socialise, eat and drink, enjoy themselves, and most thrillingly of all, experience the magic of cinema in all its forms has been a very special experience for all of us here.

“We welcomed the public back to the new Filmhouse ten days after finishing the first part of a huge refurbishment project, with a lot of work, including the opening of the brand-new Screen 4, carrying on after we had opened the doors.

“That we’ve delivered an enormously varied programme of films, events, educational work, and hosted dozens of festivals – from EIFF and the BFI London Film Festival to the French and Spanish Film Festivals, the Jali African Film Weekender, Take One Action, and many more – is a massive testament to our team, all the people we work with, and our brilliant audience.

“We’ve got lots of things we want to improve and build upon, and we’ve got big ambitions for the future. The first birthday celebrations are an important marker for us on that journey, and we want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past year, and to extend an invitation to those who are yet to try out Filmhouse, by inviting you all to party with us in June.

“There’s something for everyone, and it’s going to be a lot of fun, and we hope to see you there (we’ll bring the cake). Cinema lives. ‘mon the hoose!”

Assembly Festival announces return of Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival

First tickets on sale TOMORROW – Friday 15 May

First music acts and family-friendly programme announced

24 Jul – 02 Aug 2026

Tickets on sale from 12pm Friday 15 May

www.assemblyfestival.com

Assembly Festival has announced the return of the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival (EFFF) for a second year, with first tickets on sale this Friday 15th May.

Taking place in the city centre’s George Square Gardens from 24 Jul – 2 August, the Edinburgh Folk & Food Fest kicks off Assembly’s festival offerings with a mix of free and ticketed events for all the family.

Taking place in the Piccolo and Palais Du Variété in George Square Gardens, the festival will welcome local street food vendors, folk musicians from across the UK, workshops, masterclasses and more.

This year’s music lineup includes performances from critically acclaimed Scottish contemporary folk band Breabach, Mercury Prize nominated Seth Lakeman, trad fusion stars An Dannsa Dub and Indie trad fusion group Dlù.

The musical evolution of the beloved Edinburgh Food Festival, back for its second year at George Square Gardens, creates an accessible space for folk fans and food lovers alike, bringing Scotland’s rich folk heritage to the capital for ten days of the very best food to a soundtrack of folk and fusion.

With additional shows catered towards children, including Fringe favourites The Greatest Magic Show, Comedy Club 4 Kids and Explosive Science Show, EFFF is the ideal summer day out for all the family.

Assembly Festival Managing Director Dani Rae said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing back the Folk to the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival for a second year after the huge successes of 2025.

“We’ve got an incredible lineup of the best folk music in Scotland and beyond, as well as some fantastic local food vendors to announce and we can’t wait for audiences to join us for a dance and a bite to eat.”

The first tickets for the Edinburgh Folk & Food Fest are on sale from 12pm Friday 15 May at edfoodfest.com.

Contini George Street partners with Maggie’s Edinburgh for month-long fundraising campaign

Contini George Street is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Maggie’s Edinburgh, a charity offering expert cancer support and information in Edinburgh.

The newly formed partnership will support the charity’s vital cancer care services throughout the month of May through a series of fundraising initiatives, headlined by a pre-loved designer pop-up shop and a specially curated menu designed to reflect the spirit and colors of Maggie’s.

From May 14th to 17th, the former Jo Malone shop at 93 George Street will be transformed into Maggie’s Boutique, featuring over 1,200 donated lines of high-end designer fashion.

To celebrate the collaboration, anyone visiting the pop-up will receive a voucher for a complimentary Maggie’s Cocktail (available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions).

The voucher can be redeemed at Contini George Street with the purchase of any main course during lunch or dinner service and featured cocktails include:

Brindisi per Maggie: A refreshing Passion Fruit Spritz with prosecco, Aperol, passionfruit, and mint.
Dolce Maggie (Non-alcoholic): A sophisticated blend of Crodino Biondo, soda, and 0% ABV sparkling wine.

These cocktails will also be available for general purchase at £10, with £1 from every drink sold donated directly to the charity.

For the entire month of May, Contini George Street will also feature two dedicated dishes on their à la carte and breakfast menus, with a portion of every sale supporting Maggie’s fundraising goals.

Buongiorno Maggie’s (£9): A breakfast delight of seasonal fruit salad with Graham’s Greek yoghurt, Victor’s honey, and homemade granola.
Maggie’s Giardino (£20): A nutritious take on the classic Italian Caprese, substituting traditional red tomatoes for orange Datterini tomatoes and fresh Italian apricots to match Maggie’s signature branding. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish features Mozzarella di bufala DOP, Contini kitchen garden basil, and Victor’s organic extra virgin olive oil.

Carina Contini, co-owner of Contini Restaurants, said: “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Maggie’s this May. Our ‘Maggie’s Giardino’ dish is a tribute to their work. We invite all our regulars and new visitors to the George Street pop-up to join us in raising a glass, and more importantly, vital funds for a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of so many Edinburgh residents.”

By combining the reach of Contini’s George Street presence with the high-profile designer pop-up, both organisations hope to drive significant foot traffic and awareness for cancer care support in the capital.

Maggie’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Samantha Lea said: “We are so grateful to Contini for supporting us this May, particularly with Maggie’s Boutique later this month.

“As a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their family and friends.

“It is 30 years since we opened our centre in Edinburgh, the first of what is now 27 across the UK, and thanks to partnerships like this one with Contini we are able to reach even more people living with cancer from across the whole Lothian region.”

Event Details & Opening Times

Maggie’s Boutique Pop-Up (93 George Street):

Thursday, May 14th: Noon – 9:00 PM
Friday, May 15th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 16th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contini George Street (103 George Street):

Maggie’s Fundraising Menu: Available daily throughout May 2026.
Cocktail Voucher Redemption: Valid for pop-up visitors during event dates.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Eventbrite booking page.

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, to host intimate masterclass event in Edinburgh

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, is partnering with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy to host an intimate ‘cook along’ masterclass event for foodies and baking enthusiasts in the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday 30 May.

The youngest ever winner of The Great British Bake Off, Peter will deliver a live demonstration on how to master the French classic dessert, Croquembouche, at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy on Queen Street.

The 12 attendees will then cook along with Peter, creating an Almond, Ricotta and Strawberry Celebration Cake, learning professional techniques, tips and insider secrets to create their very own competition-worthy bake.

Rounding off the event, delegates will sit down with Peter for an informal Q&A over a cup of tea or coffee and freshly baked goods, before taking home their finished cake. Taking place from 2pm – 5pm, the three-hour masterclass is suitable for all capabilities and costs just £140.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy Launch Event

Commenting on the event, Peter said: “I’m looking forward to being back in the kitchen at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and helping local bakers create their own delicious and beautiful bakes.

“Hosting an intimate event like this allows me to really engage with attendees and help them develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen, before we sit down together over a cuppa and cake for a chat.”

Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, executive chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, commented:“A great friend of Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, we’re delighted to be able to offer keen bakers the opportunity to meet with and learn directly from Peter.

“Tackling the famously tricky croquembouche, a staple challenge on the Great British Bake Off, Peter will be demonstrating the skills that won him the competition and helping delegates to pick up some tips and tricks along the way.

“At Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy we have one central mission – to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry, and events like these are just one of the ways in which we do this.”

Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) relaunched earlier this year, following 17 years as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with a clear mission to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry.

Based in the centre of Edinburgh, which is regarded as a vibrant food and drink destination, it brings together innovation and experience to deliver a range of professional chef courses and recreational classes and events for home chefs with an interest in mastering the kitchen.

With only 12 spaces available for the event, tickets can be purchased online at www.efda.co.uk.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh puts a local favourite front and centre with new ‘Fresh Beats’ menu

A new seasonal line-up, led by a haggis burger rooted in the city’s everyday food culture

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is putting one of Scotland’s most recognisable ingredients at the forefront of its menu this spring, with the launch of Fresh Beats, a new seasonal line-up led by its haggis burger designed to celebrate Edinburgh’s unique food culture amongst both locals and visitors.

While part of a global rollout across Hard Rock Cafe locations, the Edinburgh menu takes a distinctly local approach. At its centre is The Haggis Burger, built around a staple of the city’s foodie scene. Layered with smashed beef patties, locally sourced haggis, whisky-infused caramelised onions and a rich cheese sauce, it delivers a bold, flavour-led dish with a strong sense of place.

Hearty, savoury and rooted in tradition, it’s finished with crispy shoestring onions, lettuce and tomato in a toasted artisan bun, a format that sits naturally within the flavours and expectations of Edinburgh’s dining landscape.

The introduction of the haggis burger reflects a broader shift within Fresh Beats, a concept that allows each Hard Rock Cafe location to shape its menu around what resonates most locally. In Edinburgh, that means placing a well-established favourite celebrating Scottish heritage at the centre of the offering.

Alongside this, the wider menu includes seasonal additions such as Crispy Chicken Sliders with spicy mayo, pickles and jalapeño slaw, and a Mediterranean Salmon Salad with quinoa, feta, roasted chickpeas and olive tzatziki.

Desserts and drinks complete the line-up, including a Bourbon Bread Pudding served warm with vanilla ice cream and bourbon caramel, alongside new cocktails such as the Sweet Heat Mango Mojito and the Hibiscus Yuzu Lime.

With menus set to evolve throughout the year, the focus remains on keeping each location relevant to its audience – but in Edinburgh, that starts with a dish that’s already firmly part of the city’s food culture.

To book a table visit https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

The Ivy On The Square launches new Heritage Menu

CELEBRATING LEGACY DISHES AND CLASSIC FLAVOURS

This Spring, The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh introduces new dishes on its Heritage Menu, a set menu that celebrates the legacy of The Ivy and its classic dishes, launching across its restaurants nationwide.

Designed to offer exceptional value without compromising on quality, the menu is available everyday (except Saturday), featuring two courses from £21.95**.

Showcasing a carefully curated selection of seasonal dishes, the Heritage Menu begins with a choice of bright, seasonal starters including Crab and Chive Cream, served on watermelon with crushed avocado and radish; Gochujang Chicken and Asian Slaw, accompanied by shredded crispy wonton, sesame seeds, wasabi mayonnaise and micro coriander; and Whipped Feta and Filo Salad, paired with baby spinach, marinated apricots, chicory and a delicate truffle vinaigrette.

Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie remains a firm favourite, featuring slow-braised lamb and beef topped with cheddar mash, rosemary and a rich red wine sauce. Additional options include Pan-fried Sea Bass with Keralan Curry Sauce, infused with coconut, cumin and turmeric and served with shaved fennel and spinach, as well as a Spicy Jackfruit and Roasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad with chayote, sesame, mooli and shredded Chinese leaf.

Guests can enhance their dining experience by upgrading to three courses for a supplement of £5.95. The dessert selection offers a further choice of indulgent options, including the theatrical Flambéed Crème Brûlée, finished tableside with a caramelised sugar crust; Strawberries and Cream with freeze-dried raspberries, meringue and lemon balm; the Classic Frozen Berries with a yoghurt and white chocolate sauce, and a savoury option of Fourme d’Ambert, a classic French blue cheese served with crackers, apple and celery.

Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, said: “The Heritage Menu reflects everything our guests love about The Ivy – timeless dishes, seasonal ingredients and a sense of occasion, every day.

“We wanted to create a menu that feels both familiar and exciting, offering exceptional quality and variety at an accessible price point, while celebrating the flavours and dishes that define our collection.”

The Heritage Menu reflects The Ivy Collection’s commitment to delivering accessible luxury dining in elegant surroundings, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy its most-loved dishes at an exceptional price point.

To make a reservation at The Ivy, visit https://ivycollection.com/

A Turner Triumph: Iconic sunrise painting shown in Scotland for the first time

An acclaimed painting by renowned artist JMW Turner is now on display at the National in Edinburgh. Norham Castle, Sunrise is one of the artist’s most celebrated late works and a highlight of the Turner Bequest at Tate.

Its arrival offers visitors a unique opportunity to see this iconic painting, which is on display in Scotland for the first time and free to visit until 4 October 2026.

Norham Castle, Sunrise is one of Turner’s most hauntingly beautiful and intriguing paintings. With its loose, watercolour-like brushwork and glowing colours, it shows Turner’s work at its most experimental, pushing his exploration of sunlight on landscape to extremes.

Unknown in the artist’s lifetime, Norham Castle, Sunrise was one of over 300 oil paintings left in his studio at the time of his death. It is often regarded as emblematic of the expressive, free style of painting now most associated with Turner.

The most famous British artist of the 19th century, Turner was born in London in 1775. His combination of exceptional talent, intellectual curiosity and relentless hard work resulted in paintings which capture the sublime beauty of nature and encourage us to look again at the world around us.

In a career spanning 50 years, he developed new ways of painting. Experimenting with an array of techniques and colour, Turner created works which continue to captivate and excite audiences today.

Norham Castle is situated on the River Tweed, six miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed and at a point where the river forms the border between England and Scotland.

Set on a high mound on the English side and commanding a vital crossing point, the 12th-century castle was one of the most important Border strongholds and was besieged at least 9 times.

It remained a site of military significance until the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603 and is integral to Borders history and legend, inspiring Sir Walter Scott’s influential long-form poem Marmion (1808).

Turner felt enormous affection for Norham Castle. He first visited in 1797, aged 22, returning in 1801 as part of his first extended tour of Scotland, and again in 1831, when he was staying with Scott at Abbotsford, near Melrose in the Borders.

Captivated by the vision of the great tower silhouetted against the sky, he sketched the castle from different viewpoints and studied the site under different light conditions, constantly finding something new.

Norham was a rich source of inspiration for him, generating showpiece watercolours and landscape prints. Such was the importance of Norham to Turner’s career that on his final visit in 1831, he is said to have bowed and doffed his hat to the mighty ruins.

Norham Castle, Sunrise comes from a group of light-filled oil paintings from the 1840s, in which Turner revisited favourite subjects from earlier in his career, basing his compositions on his Liber Studiorum prints – a series of 71 engravings intended to demonstrate the power and importance of landscape art.

Drawing upon memory and imagination, Turner captures the essence of this much-loved landscape and shows it transformed by the power of light.

Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator European & Scottish Art, said: “We are so excited to have Norham Castle, Sunrise on display in Scotland for the first time and free for everyone to see.

“One of Turner’s best loved paintings, it is an astonishing exploration of light, landscape and the power of memory. We are very grateful to Tate for this special loan, allowing us to share this wonderful picture with our visitors.”

Norham Castle, Sunrise can be found on display at National Galleries Scotland: National, with works from Scotland’s national art collection including another oil by Turner, Somer Hill, Tonbridge by Joseph Mallord William Turner | National Galleries of Scotland and a later painting of Norham Castle from the collection by Scottish artist George Reid, Norham Castle by Sir George Reid | National Galleries of Scotland.

Homes or Homecomings? European voices join Edinburgh debate on tourism pressures

A major public discussion on the future of tourism in Edinburgh will take place at the City Chambers on 12 May, bringing together European experts, local practitioners, and community voices to address one of the most pressing issues facing historic cities today.

Hosted by the Cockburn Association as part of the Festival of Europe, Homes or Homecomings? Managing Tourism Tensions with European Partners will explore how cities can balance the economic benefits of tourism with the needs of residents.

Tourism remains central to Edinburgh’s economy and identity, but increasing visitor numbers have placed growing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and everyday life in the city centre. The event will present new research on tourism impacts in Edinburgh while drawing on European case studies to examine how other historic cities are responding to similar challenges.

Speakers include academics and practitioners working across the UK and Europe, alongside representatives from business and community-led organisations. The discussion will consider issues such as short-term lets, housing availability, and how to sustain living communities in globally recognised heritage destinations.

The event is open to the public and will bring together policymakers, researchers, residents, and those working in tourism and heritage.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, 12 May
Venue: City Chambers, Edinburgh
Host: The Cockburn Association
Part of: Festival of Europe programme

Tickets and further information are available via Eventbrite.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival delivers ‘record £241m economic impact’

International visitor numbers, satisfaction and community benefits reach new highs

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival – encompassing Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – has delivered its strongest performance to date, generating a record £241 million economic impact for the city and confirming Edinburgh’s position as one of Europe’s leading winter destinations with a record of 93 countries represented across its audiences.

The latest results, drawn from the most recent post‑event impact report, show sustained growth across visitor numbers, spending, satisfaction, community engagement and international profile, demonstrating strong recovery and growth.

Record economic impact and exceptional return on public investment

The combined Winter Festival generated £241m+ for Edinburgh’s economy in 2025/26, up from £198m just two years ago, representing growth of more than 20% across the three‑year period. The return on public investment has also increased significantly, with the festivals now delivering £297 back to the city for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council.

This growth reflects longer visitor stays, higher average spend and exceptional accommodation demand. Hotel occupancy peaked at 95.8% on New Year’s Eve, one of the highest figures ever recorded for the city, while average visitor spend and length of stay rose sharply across both Christmas and Hogmanay.

Millions of visits and a huge Hogmanay audience

Edinburgh’s Christmas welcomed over 2.9 million visits across its city‑centre sites this winter, maintaining near‑record footfall following the 3 million peak recorded in 2023/24. The event continued to attract a broad mix of local, UK and international visitors, with the majority travelling from outside the city and engaging extensively with Edinburgh’s wider retail, hospitality and cultural offer, proving its essential role in sustaining the sector.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returned at full scale, welcoming over 115,000 people across its four‑day programme, a 15% increase from 2023/24. Major events sold out, including the world-famous Street Party, Torchlight Procession and Night Afore Concert in the Gardens, with a further estimated 100,000 people experiencing the Midnight Moment across the city centre.

The Hogmanay festival presented over 560 artists and performers, 97% of whom were local and Scottish, supporting Scotland’s cultural community. It also welcomed a record number of international visitors, with 33% of visitors from outwith the UK (3% increase) and 26% from UK outwith Scotland.

Together, the figures underline the festivals’ critical role in driving winter tourism, ensuring Edinburgh remains a festival city and supporting year‑round economic resilience for the capital.

Exceptional visitor satisfaction, advocacy and pride

Visitor feedback from the most recent season also shows exceptionally high satisfaction and advocacy:

95% of Edinburgh’s Christmas visitors reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience.
Over 80% said they would recommend the festival and attend again, rising to 100% among international visitors surveyed.
For Hogmanay, nearly 90% of attendees said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations, with three‑quarters likely to recommend it to others.

Across both projects, audiences consistently described the events as a defining part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, with nine in ten visitors saying their experience makes them more likely to return to the city during the winter season.

Growing community access and charitable impact

Alongside its economic success, the Winter Festivals continue to expand their community and social impact.

This year, more than 8,500 free tickets and ride passes were distributed to over 160 local charities and community groups, ensuring wide access for families and residents across the city. Over 27,500 people attended the free events at the Ross Bandstand across successive weekends. Local resident ticket offers once again sold out, showing the strong local engagement.

Charitable giving reached a new high, with almost £49,000 raised for partner charities Age Scotland, When You Wish Upon A Star, Simon Community Scotland and One City Trust across Christmas and Hogmanay. Long‑standing partnerships tackling homelessness, supporting children’s charities and local causes remain central to the festivals.

The programme also continued to prioritise local participation, with around three‑quarters of Christmas market traders Scottish‑based, many of them from Edinburgh, and extensive opportunities for local artists, performers and suppliers.

Global reach and international profile

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals also achieved unprecedented global exposure this year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay generated more than 2,000 pieces of national and international media coverage, with a potential global opportunity of over 8 billion media interactions across the world, with more than 80% of coverage positive in sentiment.

Major international broadcasters and outlets once again carried images of Edinburgh around the world, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the Home of Hogmanay and one of the world’s most recognisable New Year destinations. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Auld Lang Syne was CNN’s top global story through the night, with leading audiences in Australia, Germany, Canada, USA and UK.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival has demonstrated clear and consistent momentum:

Economic impact has increased year‑on‑year.
Visitor numbers have rebounded strongly and now exceed pre‑pandemic levels.
Satisfaction, pride and advocacy measures have strengthened.
Community access and charitable contributions have expanded significantly.

This year’s results confirm the festivals not only as a major economic driver, but as a source of civic pride, cultural participation and social benefit for Edinburgh and its communities.

The Directors of Unique Assembly said: “These results underline just how important Edinburgh’s Winter Festival has become – not only to the city’s economy, but to its communities, cultural life and global reputation.

“Delivering £241 million in economic impact and some of the highest visitor satisfaction levels we’ve ever seen is something everyone involved can be incredibly proud of.

“It’s fantastic that people are staying longer, we are welcoming more people from around the world, we are giving local communities access to a range of free tickets and events, and we’ve seen a heartening uplift in charitable giving.

“This year shows that Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Hogmanay festival are not just world‑class events, but a festival that is rooted in the city, supports local artists and businesses, and creates experiences people actively want to return for year after year.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “It’s clear to see that both residents and visitors are continuing to embrace and enjoy the celebrations, which bring such a special atmosphere to Edinburgh each year.

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to deliver meaningful benefits for our communities through increased free tickets and ride passes, alongside record charitable donations that are helping support local causes across the city.

“Looking ahead to next year, we’re committed to building on this success and ensuring Edinburgh’s winter festival continues to deliver unforgettable experiences while creating lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities.”

Beltane Fire Festival is ‘great success’

Copyright Zhi Kang Chua for Beltane Fire Society. All Rights Reserved. www.beltane.org

THOUSANDS of revellers gathered on Calton Hill to mark the turning of the seasons and reconnect with nature through this year’s re-wilding-themed Beltane Fire Festival.

Just over 9500 people joined in celebrating this powerful Edinburgh tradition, immersing themselves in a vivid, elemental journey of fire, rhythm, and transformation.

Calton Hill was lit up with roaring fires and performers as story and ritual brought us together once more to mark the season of growth, connection, and renewal. It was a beautifully clear and hot evening to bring in the start of the warmer months!

Copyright Sébastien Lemaire for Beltane Fire Society. All Rights Reserved. www.beltane.org

Jenny Bloom, Beltane Fire Society’s Chair said: “Thank you to the thousands of Witnesses and the hundreds of Volunteers who wove another beautiful Beltane story this year. Renewed alongside the Green Man and inspired by the May Queen, we can all lean towards the new Summer in joy and community – even as we stand in readiness for the hard work we must do.”

The modern Beltane Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the spring and summer counterpart to Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is also held at Calton Hill on 31 October. The events are immersive experiences, which involve modern re-imaginings of ancient celtic festivals to mark the turning seasons.

Copyright Kitt Bunney for Beltane Fire Society. All Rights Reserved. www.beltane.org

The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by volunteers, dedicated to marking the fire festivals of the ancient celtic calendar and keeping traditional Scottish skills of street theatre, music and pageantry alive.

PICTURES: Zhi Kang Chua, Sebastian Lemaire & Kitt Bunney