Today, on the International Day of People with Disabilities (Friday 3 December), representatives from disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide, officially opened the new Changing Places toilet facility in Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Situated on the ground floor, the toilet features a ceiling hoist, changing bench and provides additional space for disabled visitors who are unable to use conventional accessible toilets.
With less than 2,000 Changing Places toilets across the UK, of which less than 250 are in Scotland and only 10 in Edinburgh, the opening of this new facility will connect with the 250,000 Changing Places users in the UK and their friends and families who rely on these facilities to take part in everyday life.
Building a modern visitor experience that was inclusive was one of the core aims at Johnnie Walker Princes Street from the outset. Throughout the planning stages, Euan’s Guide was involved and consulted, looking at plans, meeting architects and testing out the building’s access before opening to the public in September 2021.
Paul Ralph, Access and Inclusion Director at Euan’s Guide, said: “Never in my wildest dreams, but always in my imagination, did I believe my newfound friends at Johnnie Walker Princes Street would create such a fabulous place to visit and then top that with the inclusion of a Changing Places Toilet!”
Barbara Smith, Managing Director at Johnnie Walker Princes Street said: “Accessibility was integral to the planning of Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Very early on we realised the benefits of working as a team with Euan’s Guide and we have collaborated to ensure the best possible welcome for everyone.
“Euan’s Guide have been integral to creating the visitor experience we have today at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and we are extremely grateful for their support and collaboration. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we strive to create an exceptional experience for all, in the heart of Scotland’s capital.”
Stylish Scottish eyewear brand IOLLA has teamed up with leading calligrapher, Laila Lettering to offer a complimentary personalisation service on products at their Edinburgh St James Quarter Showroom this weekend.
Taking place in-store for one day only on Saturday 4th December from 11am until 4pm, IOLLA customers can enjoy complimentary hand-drawn case customisation on any purchases from their special guest, Laila Lettering. This is an exclusive opportunity to add a luxurious personal touch on thoughtful gifts for your loved ones and friends this Christmas.
Available on a first come first serve basis to guests on any off-the-shelf purchases including their range of stand out sunglasses, contemporary cases and modern accessories, you can watch Laila Lettering add the magic to gifts live in store.
Laila Lettering is a luxury creative calligraphy and stationery company based in Scotland. Founded by Christina Lessani, she prides herself on crafting bespoke drawings in her own unique style that have seen her work with MTV and Jamie Genevieve’s VIEVE to name a few.
Festive fun at IOLLA doesn’t end there. Shoppers and passers-by can also enjoy their newly decorated storefront adorned with colourful yuletide illustrations by local artist Katie Smith. Katie’s designs can also be found on IOLLA tote bags, complimentary with any Festive Gift Shop purchases including gift cards and cases designed to keep your IOLLA frames snug and in-style.
Christina Lessani, owner at Laila Letteringsaid: “I’m so excited to be working with IOLLA again. I’m a huge fan of their collections and it’s such an honour to be asked to collaborate with them again.
“Personalisation is at the heart of what I do, and I know these customised cases are going to make the most perfect gift this Christmas.”
Kirsty Humpherson, Marketing Manager at IOLLA said: “Christina’s work is incredible and we love collaborating with her company to pull out all the stops for our customers this Christmas.
“Our brand identity and showroom experience is deeply personal, and the luxurious final touch added by Laila Lettering is a great fit for customers looking for exceptional gifts this festive season.”
IOLLA launched in 2015, introducing a better way to buy eyewear with their offering of complete prescription glasses and sunglasses for £75. Their mission is to help people look and feel great, empowering glasses wearers to build an eyewear wardrobe thanks to their diverse range of unique frame designs and affordable price point. Making them the perfect gift this Christmas.
For more information and to keep up to date with all things IOLLA check out their website and follow them on Instagram:
Councillors yesterday gave unanimous backing to a proposed route map for the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, following the findings of a major independent survey.
The results, published last week, revealed overwhelming support from residents and organisations for continuation of Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations in the Capital, but with a revised format. Councillors from across all political parties have endorsed the findings and agreed to run a one-year pilot .
For winter 2022/23, a procurement exercise will be undertaken to identify a producer to deliver Edinburgh’s Christmas and an individual or organisation will be appointed to a Winter Festivals Director role.
The All Party Oversight Group (APOG) will now agree the brief for these appointments using the clear feedback from the consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of residents and businesses and is of appropriate scale.
More than 8,600 people and 35 organisations responded to the survey on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, with 87% expressing support for a Christmas celebration and 86% for Hogmanay.
The 12-week consultation, carried out in Spring this year by independent market research company Progressive Partnership on behalf of the Council, sought feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on the events from 2022 onwards.
Overall, results showed a wish to continue to provide high quality Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations which will in turn be valued by residents and visitors.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “When we agreed to run a citywide conversation with our residents, businesses and stakeholders on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals we had a very open mind on what the format of these events could be in future years.
“We had an excellent response to the consultation, and it was encouraging that so many want to see Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations continue in the years ahead, while providing us with a valuable insight into what exactly people and businesses would like to see changed.
“I know there are lots of differing views on major events, such as Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, but it has been encouraging to see this level of input from people of all ages and from right across the City into the consultation.
“Whilst some differences of opinion can’t be reconciled, the input from people has set a road for these events to reflect residents’ aspirations for these celebrations for future years while dealing with concerns raised about previous years.
“Our focus here is firmly on our residents and local businesses. If we get it right for them first and foremost, then these events will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re very pleased to see such a large and positive response to the consultation and that the majority want Edinburgh to keep its place on the international map for Christmas celebrations and as home of Hogmanay.
“There’s no doubt that our Winter Festivals deliver real economic impact, benefitting tourism, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in particular. However, taking heed of the findings and looking ahead to events next year we’ll be looking to share these benefits and look to spread events across our town centres and communities.
“Thanks to the feedback already gathered, we’ll now be able to take people’s comments and ideas into account as we plan for next year, and beyond. Making sure we have a great winter festival and Edinburgh remains the best city to visit!”
Harrods is proud to announce the launch of its first stand-alone H beauty destination in Scotland, in the heart of Edinburgh, on the 30th November 2021.
Following two successful H Beauty store openings across England, the latest H beauty, will be located at St James Quarter, in the heart of Edinburgh’s shopping district. The latest addition to the H beauty portfolio reflects Harrods’ commitment to bringing its industry-leading expertise in creating luxury shopping experiences through its unique curation of brands, to new communities across the UK.
Offering a game-changing beauty wonderland, the 21,000 sq.ft. space embodies the future of beauty, providing an expansive space for customers to enjoy a diverse portfolio of exceptional services and must-have products from over 90 international beauty brands.
The store is an experiential playground where both beauty novices and experts can discover the industry’s most innovative brands in addition to finding their long-standing favourites.
In keeping with H beauty’s ethos of inclusivity, empowerment, and self-expression, the Harrods buying team, led by Annalise Fard and Mia Collins, has carefully curated a spectacular offering that delivers something for everyone and encourages the H beauty community to play, experiment and celebrate who they are through beauty.
To provide customers with an unmatched and elevated beauty retail experience, each H beauty store is developed with the local beauty community in mind and is designed to bring the most important and vibrant products, brands, and experiences to customers, often for the first time.
H Beauty will support local talent and up and coming Scottish brands, whose values directly connect with Harrods own, with its ‘Born & Bred’ offering, featuring local brands such as Vieve, Moo & Yoo, Kingdom Scotland and Lola’s Lashes.
The store also offers the first physical location in Edinburgh for local customers to test, swatch, play and purchase iconic and coveted products instore from the much-loved Charlotte Tilbury, as well as Keys Soulcare and Kora Organics.
Premium brands such as Chanel, Dior and Givenchy sit alongside cult-favourites, some who until now have only had a limited presence in Edinburgh including Westman Atelier, Kylie Cosmetics, and Sunday Riley.
Annalise Fard, Director of Beauty at Harrods, commented:“The opening of our first H beauty store in Scotland is a significant and hugely exciting milestone for Harrods.
“As a leading authority in luxury and the beauty space, we are committed to meeting the ongoing demand for high quality retail beauty shopping experiences outside of London, through the expansion of our stand-alone H beauty stores, and we take great pride in bringing the essence of Harrods Beauty to local communities across different regions of the UK.
“For H beauty Edinburgh, we have carefully curated an extensive portfolio of brands and products tailored to suit the local customer, which this is reflected in the breadth of beauty collections and services available in store.”
H beauty is a perfume paradise, and as the UK’s leading fine fragrance retailer, Harrods intends to bring the best of what is offered in the Knightsbridge Beauty Halls to regional communities across the UK.
The store’s fragrance offering showcases the sectors growth and the continuous demand for luxury perfumes. With a dedicated Fragrance Bar, boutiques by Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Penhaligon’s, as well as access to brand exclusives from Initio, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Parfums de Marly, and Montale, customers can rediscover their familiar favorites and fall in love with new signature scents.
In addition, H beauty’s extensive skincare offering ensures that there are enriching and effective products to enhance your daily skincare routine or address skin concerns, across a range of different price points.
The store also houses a wealth of innovative beauty gadgets, makeup, candles, and haircare brands that are designed to enhance your inner and outer wellbeing, and up your beauty game with eye-catching looks.
H beauty is an all-encompassing destination for all things beauty and the store is framed by several dedicated boutiques for some of the most iconic names in the industry, from Gucci’s instantly recognisable pastel and floral décor, to Charlotte Tilbury’s glamourous Hollywood-inspired beauty and skincare offering.
Harrods is known for delivering innovative and creative shopping experiences, and at H beauty Edinburgh customers can access interactive make-up tutorials and experiential product testing through state-of-the-art play tables throughout the store.
Additionally, the store’s 14-seat Champagne Bar offers an indulgent menu of patisseries and cocktails created by Harrods’ renowned food and beverage team, providing the prefect space for beauty lovers to sit, sip and reunite with friends.
Mia Collins, Head of Beauty at Harrods, said: “We are delighted to bring the magic of Harrods Beauty to Scotland for the very first time, with our H Beauty St James Quarter store.
“We are so excited to join the avid community of beauty lovers in Edinburgh and we can’t wait to share H beauty and our epic line up of brands & products with them.
“Our new store in Edinburgh features all of H beauty’s iconic signatures including our famous Champagne Bar; the picture-perfect spot to meet loved ones for a glass of something sparkling or a delectable bite to eat, as well as our immersive play-tables and an assortment of new beauty experiences and concepts that will inspire and delight local customers.
“We are bringing a swathe of local and up-and-coming brands, products, and services to our Scottish beauty lovers that aren’t available anywhere else in Edinburgh and I can’t wait to introduce them to this discerning audience.”
Following two successful H beauty openings, the first at Lakeside retail centre in Essex and second at centre:mk in Milton Keynes, H beauty Edinburgh marks the latest chapter in Harrods’ long term strategic plans to bring H beauty to beauty communities around the UK.
The ambitious national expansion will also see two further stores open over the next 12 months in Bristol and Newcastle.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will celebrate the power of connection with a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers, as it makes its return to the Castle Esplanade in 2022 with a new show titled Voices.
Tickets for the iconic military spectacle go on sale from 1 December 2021, with the show running from 5 – 27 August 2022.
The show is the first from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite. It draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, writing, music and dance – languages common to all.
Military acts continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service in 2022. Audiences will enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments. The Tattoo dancers and Shetland fiddlers also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about Voices announced in the coming months.
Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite
Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, says:“Through the challenges and separation of the last two years, people of every culture have used their voices to remain connected. These voices can be found in many ways – the piper through music, the dancer with movement, the poet through words and the drummer with a beat.
“Voices is our desire to make next year’s Tattoo not just a reunion, but a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring us together at the unique setting of Edinburgh Castle.
“I’m hugely excited to play a part in the history and spectacle of the Tattoo, helping it return to the global stage, re-energised and invigorated for a new era.”
Voices is the first show under the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light. It embraces all the military tradition the Tattoo is known and loved for, while combining exciting new innovations in production effects, lighting and staging, along with world-class appointments to the creative team.
Tickets for next year’s Tattoo can be purchased from 10am on 1st December online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Edinburgh’s ultimate whisky destination has something for everyone this season
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the eight-floor visitor attraction in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, has today unveiled its festive plans including a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks, and an unrivalled collection of whiskies and whisky experiences for those looking to purchase gifts and celebrate with loved ones.
Food & Drink
The menus across both stunning rooftop bars have been given a festive makeover, with dishes including Glenkinchie infused hot smoked salmon with crab and seaweed aioli, or Lowlands baby beets and Lanark blue cheese salad, candied walnuts, plum & chicory lettuce with hay smoked roe deer loin, sure to delight 1820 Bar Diners.
A festive set menu featuring Christmas pudding and Johnnie Walker crème caramel is also available in the 1820 Bar, and a set menu for special occasions can be booked in the exclusive Blue Label dining area which includes fillet of highlands beef with haggis cannelloni and honey & thyme roasted root veg.
From a drinks perspective, the 1820 Bar adds “orange and caraway” and “cranberry and chestnut” to its offering which explores the world of flavour.
Those wiling away the festive hours in the Explorers’ Bothy can enjoy the likes of Vietnamese dressed oyster and crispy shallots, salt baked beetroot and orange tartare cones, beef cheek and truffle doughnuts or a vegetarian charcutier selection with handmade oatcakes, artisan biscuits & sourdough bread.
Hogmanay
Hogmanay revellers on the lookout for great music, incredible food and an unbeatable view of both Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline need look no further than Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s rooftop 1820 Bar’s Hogmanay event.
Everyone ringing in the new year at this exclusive evening will be treated to live entertainment from incredible jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile, welcome drinks, an aperitif, selection of canapes, festive nibbles and a glass of champagne or a dram for when the clock strikes midnight. Booking information will be released soon, follow Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s social channels for updates.
Festive Experiences
Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a range of immersive experiences perfect for celebrating this festive season. The flagship Journey of Flavour tour can accommodate up to 22 guests, making it ideal for celebrating with friends, family, or work colleagues.
The full sensory tour is a 90-minute exploration of taste which includes three personalised whisky drinks. Guests set off from the welcome lobby which will be decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree, and explore festive touches around the building, including spectacular wreaths and garlands.
For the whisky connoisseur, look no further than Casks of Discovery in the venue’s underground Whisky Makers’ Cellar. Here, guests explore the art of blending and taste whiskies live blended to Johnnie Walker Master Makers’ recipes. They’ll also have the chance to savour exclusive single malt, single grain and experimental whiskies drawn straight from the cask.
Festive Shopping
For those looking to take home a gift for someone special, the ground floor retail space boasts an unparalleled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all tastes and budgets.
Moreover, the store has a number of exclusive items which cannot be purchased anywhere else, including the fill your own Johnnie Walker Princes Street blend, now in its winter edition, which is an experience in itself.
The whisky is sure to please with notes of butterscotch, tablet and creamy toffee, and there is a bespoke laser engraving and gift-wrapping service available to add that extra special touch. The Johnnie Walker Black Label Princes Street edition is another exclusive, with customisable gift tags available for all bottles.
The store also carries a wide selection of Johnnie Walker merchandise including re-usable water bottles, clothing, glassware and more. Stocking fillers like crackers, socks, hats, notebooks and whisky stones are all on offer, as are advent calendars.
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our festive menu and plans for the season. The team has done a wonderful job developing the food, drink and experiences we’ve got planned, making Johnnie Walker Princes Street a must visit destination in December.
“We’ve enjoyed an incredible first couple of months since we opened our doors. The city of Edinburgh has welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve enjoyed every minute we’ve spent hosting our local, national and international guests. We look forward to celebrating with you all this festive season.”
Social Bite lights up major cities encouraging kindness this Christmas
Charity aims to provide 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas
Christmas trees with donation points installed in five cities, Edinburgh London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, to emphasise that ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind.’
Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness has launched in five cities across the UK today, expanding on last year’s campaign, in a bid to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness.
The charity is asking people in Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to donate meals, gifts, essential items and accommodation to those who need it most this Christmas.
Through the campaign, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals and essential items of the winter months to those experiencing homelessness this festive period.
Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed five 28ft tall Christmas trees across the country and is asking people to buy one extra gift, drop it under the tree and contribute to a movement of kindness.
Festival of Kindness locations include:
· St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh
· Charing Cross Station, London
· Vinicombe Street, Glasgow
· Outside M&S at the Bon Accord centre, Aberdeen
· City Square, Dundee
The charity has created a gift wish list of the things homeless and vulnerable people need the most – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.
Passers-by can drop their gifts at the trees and take in the Christmas lights, meet Santa in Edinburgh and hear more about Social Bite’s ambitions from volunteers. All gifts will then be distributed by Social Bite’s dedicated team to those who need it most, just in time for Christmas.
Social Bite co-founder and Executive Director, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “This Christmas, many of us will be able to reunite with family and friends to celebrate after so many restrictions.
“But for homeless people and families, the pandemic has made their situation particularly desperate. Thousands of people all over the UK will spend Christmas on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to. Thousands of children will find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period.
“That’s why we are building on the success of last year’s campaign to expand our reach even further, going from two to five locations and taking Festival of Kindness to London for the very first time.
“Our Festival of Kindness campaign aims to spread some festive cheer. In a world, where you can be anything, we’re urging people to be kind and buy or donate a little extra to help those who need it most – even the smallest of gifts will make a huge difference.”
Monetary donations can also be made online via the Social Bite website which will then go towards the provision of food, gifts and essential items.
Donations will also help fund accommodation and support for those sleeping rough in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and London.
Social Bite has a track record of successful fundraising campaigns, having previously hosted ‘Sleep Out’ events in all major Scottish cities, then helped to launch The World’s Big Sleep Out for a global campaign attended by Hollywood A-listers including Dame Helen Mirren and Will Smith in 2019.
Last year’s Festival of Kindness held in Edinburgh and Glasgow raised over £1.5m.
All gifts should be new and unwrapped, with a helpful ‘how-to’ guide on their website.
Council Leader and Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council welcome the approval of the plans for the Dunard Centre
The planning application, submitted by IMPACT Scotland, was approved yesterday by the city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.
Council leader Adam McVey, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted for this exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital.
“This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years and I know so many people in the city are looking forward to enjoying a first class cultural experience with an expanding number of amazing venues.
“The new concert hall is the cultural flagship of our City Region Deal and being in a central location with fantastic public transport connections, it will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the newly opened Edinburgh St James Quarter helping to keep our city centre a vibrant and thriving destination.”
Planning ConvenerCouncillor Neil Gardiner said: I’m delighted committee today approved the new concert hall planning application and I welcome this major investment in Scotland’s Capital City.
“This state of the art purpose-designed facility now matches our international standing as the world’s premier festival city.
“The architecture of this new concert hall works well with historic Dundas House: the original plan of the New Town was to have cultural buildings at either end of George Street, which will now be fulfilled at St Andrews Square.
“Impact, who will operate the venue, has also committed to reach out to communities and schools across the city to make music accessible which is also welcome.”
The luxury department store expands its beauty business outside of England for the first time with the launch of H beauty Edinburgh
Harrods is proud to announce the opening of its newest H beauty store at St James Quarter on the 30th November, bringing world-leading experts in beauty, skincare, haircare and wellness to Edinburgh all under one roof.
The opening will mark the first ever H beauty to open in Scotland, demonstrating Harrods’ ambitious commitment to bring its expert beauty curation and luxury shopping experience to new communities across the UK.
Each H beauty store is developed with its local beauty community in mind, and this new 20,000 sq.ft. space will bring together a diverse portfolio of the most premium and innovative brands – from Dior and Chanel to Augustinus Bader and Sunday Riley.
The flagship opening will also introduce several new brands to Edinburgh including Charlotte Tilbury, Clé de Peau Beauté, Kylie Skin & Cosmetics, and Westman Atelier, as well as act as the first physical location in Scotland for brands such as Keys Soulcare, and Kora Organics.
H beauty will also support local talent through its ‘Born & Bred’ offering, housing up and coming Scottish brands such as Jamie Genevieve’s sensational makeup brand Vieve, as well as Moo & Yoo, Kingdom Scotland and Lola’s Lashes.
An extensive offering of cutting-edge brands will be paired with must-have products, expert-driven services, and immersive retail experiences that H beauty is renowned for, such as interactive Play tables and the iconic Champagne Bar.
“After the fantastic response that we’ve had to our previous two H beauty store openings, this launch at St James Quarter marks another significant addition to our leading beauty retail shopping destinations.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Harrods’ incredible and innovative beauty offering to Edinburgh, giving beauty lovers throughout the local community the opportunity to play, discover and enjoy, and we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors on the 30th November.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are beyond excited that H beauty is opening its doors and officially joining the St James Quarter family. To be welcoming an incredible brand like Harrods is another example of St James Quarter providing brand new, game-changing experiences for our customers.
“We want to give our visitors something new to see and do every time they come back to The Quarter, so we can’t wait to see H beauty, a first for Scotland, come to life.”
The latest H beauty launch at St James Quarter follows two successful store openings, the first at Lakeside retail centre in Essex and the second at centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Harrods will continue with its strategic and ambitious plans to deliver its unrivalled H beauty shopping destinations to a wider audience across the UK with two further H beauty stores, due to open in Bristol and Newcastle over the next year.
City of Edinburgh Council Winter Festivals Public Consultation report finds almost 90% of respondents are in favour of Underbelly’s Winter Festival events
A new report conducted by the City of Edinburgh Council has revealed that 87% of surveyed respondents are in favour of Edinburgh’s Christmas with a further 86% in favour of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, highlighting the resounding approval of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival.
The Winter Festivals Public Consultation Report surveyed 8,612 people between February – May of this year. Other highlights included:
Over 90% of those surveyed had attended Edinburgh’s Christmas in the past and over half of tickets for this year’s Hogmanay celebrations – Party at the Bells – have been purchased by those living in EH postcodes, proving the Winter Festivals are a firm favourite with locals.
73% of businesses surveyed in the city said that the Winter Festivals contributed to an increase in their turnover and footfall.
92% of locals agreed that the Winter Festivals are welcoming to tourists and other visitors.
The report also showcased the popularity of the dedicated 20% discount for those with an EH postcode, with 78% of respondents welcoming an Edinburgh resident’s discount.
Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have incorporated feedback from previous events in this year’s programme, all of which echoes the findings in the survey.
Answering 39% of respondents wish for the celebrations to be spread throughout the City Centre, the organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas have extended the celebrations to the West End of the city this year with events in West Princes Street Gardens and the ice rink on George Street, driving footfall to the wider city centre areas.
27% of those that were surveyed were concerned about the environmental impact of the Winter Festivals, which is being addressed by Festivals Edinburgh Carbon Reduction Road Map, including a 50% reduction in use of diesel generators, to be replaced by cleaner fuel generators or mains power by 2025.
Concessions for disabled and elderly people, as well as discount for young people were also requested and are already offered as part of the Winter Festival programme.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The views of local Edinburgh residents and businesses are always at the forefront of our planning for Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals so to have nearly 90% approval for our programming is hugely encouraging.
“In advance of seeing this report and in the planning of this year’s events, we think we’ve taken many of the recommendations on board and based on the response to date, the events are being hugely enjoyed by Edinburgh residents.
“That said, reports like this are extremely valuable and we shall wait to see how the Council decides to move ahead next year before deciding whether to throw our hat back in the ring.”
Council: Survey reveals overwhelming support for continuation of winter celebrations in the Capital, but with a revised format
Residents and organisations across Edinburgh have backed the continuation of the city’s Christmas and Hogmanay events, according to the results of an independent surveyconducted for the city council.
More than 8,600 people and 35 organisations responded to the survey on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, with 87% expressing support for a Christmas celebration and 86% for Hogmanay.
The 12-week consultation, carried out in Spring this year by independent market research company Progressive on behalf of the Council, sought feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on the events from 2022 onwards, after the current contact ends. Several targeted focus groups were also conducted with parents, young people and special interest groups.
Respondents were asked about their experiences of winter celebrations in the Capital, as well as what activities they would like to see included in future.
Overall, results showed a wish to continue to provide high quality Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations which will be valued by residents and visitors and to also provide events that will continue to enhance Edinburgh’s reputation, and to make changes to past formats and avoid overcrowding and improve access.
Responses and the findings in the report have provided a framework and general principles for the delivery of future editions of the Winter Festivals.
There is a clear desire for the city to celebrate this time of year, albeit with a revised format, and as a result, it is being proposed that new models for their delivery are piloted in 2022/23.
These proposals, along with the results of the consultation, will be discussed by the Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee next week.
It is proposed that a procurement exercise will be undertaken to identify a producer to deliver Edinburgh’s Christmas for a one year pilot, using the clear feedback from the consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of residents and businesses and is of appropriate scale.
For Hogmanay and wider winter activity, it is proposed to appoint an individual or organisation to a Winter Festivals Director role.
They would have responsibility for developing and delivering a Winter Festival programme based on the theme of Light and incorporating the desired elements of fireworks, lighting installations and live music from the consultation. Partnership with local artists, communities, performers and creatives would be essential in the development of this programme.
Council Leader Cllr Adam McVey said: “Firstly, I want to thank all those who took the time to take part in the consultation – we had an excellent response and the views of people in Edinburgh will shape the future of these events.
“Our Winter Festivals have grown in size and popularity over the years and have created some amazing experiences and images that has shown Edinburgh at its best.
However, if we’re to make the fun and enjoyment of winter sustainable, we must listen and respond to the views of our residents and other stakeholders. Through this major consultation, we’ve got a better idea of how they regard the celebrations, both positive and negative.
“The results are very encouraging but, as expected, respondents highlighted a range of issues that we will factor into our planning for future years.
“Some of these issues were already known to us, particularly in relation to pressure on the city centre, and this year’s lay-out reflects this as we look to respond to concerns and aspirations of residents and business. But we know from the positive experiences of the summer festivals that we can and must do more to spread the benefits across our communities.”
Council Depute Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “The festive period is an extremely special time for our Capital City and, as well as contributing to the wellbeing of our residents, our Winter Festivals deliver real economic impact, benefitting tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors in particular.
“It is fantastic to see that there is a clear desire to keep the winter celebrations with many respondents commenting on how they are now part of Edinburgh’s tradition, and how much they were missed in 2020. However, it was also hugely important to hear what concerns there are and what people would like to see more of.
“Thanks to the feedback gathered earlier this year we’ll now be able to take people’s comments and ideas into account as we plan for next year, and beyond.”
Key findings included:
Food and beverages (82%), musical performances (77%) and activities for children (76%) were the top preferred activities for Christmas.
Fireworks (79%), lighting installations (77%) and live music performances (75%) were the top three preferred activities for Hogmanay.
Alcoholic drinks (56%) and funfair rides (47%) were the least wanted activities for Christmas celebrations.
Street party and mass gathering (49%) was the least wanted activity.
Respondents also called for future winter celebrations to have local involvement of artists and performers and Scottish/local culture.
In response to making Christmas and Hogmanay more accessible to people with disabilities, physical access issues such as wheelchair accessibility and restrictions on the number of people attending dominated.
Find out more about the consultation responses online.
