Police Scotland is appealing for information following unprecedented levels of violence directed at officers and other emergency service workers from Bonfire Night disorder.
On Sunday, 5 November, 2023, there were several serious disturbances that required a response from specially trained public order officers.
In Edinburgh officers received reports of a large group of youths and adults gathering in the Hay Avenue area in Niddrie around 4.40pm. Around 50 youths were throwing fireworks at vehicles and buildings.
When officers arrived they came under attack from youths throwing fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles. Four officers sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
There is a continued police presence in the Niddrie area and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.
For disorder in Edinburgh there is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed here.
Around 9.05pm officers were called to a report of around 20 youths fighting and throwing fireworks at one another within in the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch in Glasgow.
Four people, including a police officer, were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible. There is a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.
We have also set up a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for Glasgow that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed here.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “Last night we experienced significant disorder, in particular in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, and in the Quarrywood Avenue area of Glasgow.
“Our priority during the disorder was to protect our communities and our emergency workers, and now we are looking to carry on our police work and use the evidence we gathered to carry out the necessary arrests.
“The level of disorder we faced was unacceptable and looking at the evidence we have already gathered, we don’t believe this incident was spontaneous. Although many of those involved were youths, there were undoubtedly adults involved in orchestrating that behaviour.
“We took a robust stance and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence last night.
“A number of our officers sustained minor physical injuries, however we are also aware of the mental impact that dealing with such significant levels of violence/disorder can have and will continue to support all officers affected. Nobody deserves to be injured in this way for doing their job. An emergency worker is also someone’s son, daughter, husband or wife.
“If anyone has any information that can help us in our investigation then please contact 101, or send it in via the respective portal link.”
In addition, anyone with any information that can assist officers is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Famous artists such as Sarah Graham and Ralph Steadman are joined by comedian Joe Lycett in making one-of-a-kind masterpieces for an anonymous charity fundraiser.
Heart Research UK’s anonymous heART project sees hundreds of anonymous artworks go under eBay’s virtual hammer and has so far raised over £250,000 for pioneering research.
This year’s project is the sixth annual one and takes place between the 3rd – 12th November.
How is it anonymous? Though the list of artists will be available to all bidders, the artist of each individual piece will be kept anonymous until the auction is over.
Sarah Graham, famous for her paintings of Chupa Chups and known from the show ‘Britain’s Best Young Artist’, works with many different charities and has supported the anonymous heART project for several years.
She said:“I wanted to create my first proper oil painting for the project this year, as I’ve supported it for the last few years now and always done little sketch pieces.
“I hope that by investing more creatively it attracts even more bidders! Heart Research UK helps save lives, anything I can do to support them I will.”
Joining her is world-famous cartoonist Ralph Steadman, most known for his work with Hunter S. Thompson creating the cover art for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Ralph said: “It is always a pleasure to contribute to this fundraising event. I am so pleased that people appreciate and bid on the mess that I make and want to take home my blots and splats.
“Please keep supporting this fantastic cause that can really make a difference to so many people, now and in the future.”
An art piece by comedian and eye-catching painter Joe Lycett is also available to bid on.
He said:“It’s always an honour to be part of the anonymous heART project, an ingenious way of supporting essential heart research whilst making and celebrating weird art. They’re doing the work of angels.”
Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “The anonymous heART project remains one of our most important fundraisers each year. As always, we’re incredibly grateful to the artists for donating their time and effort, and to everyone else who’s bidding on these amazing pieces.
“As a charity, we rely heavily on donations from the public. Every five minutes, someone dies from heart diseases in the UK, so your help is needed more than ever. We won’t stop until there are no more deaths from heart diseases.”
Formula Student leader Lewis Kaye is already putting his software engineering degree to use
A new Edinburgh Napier University graduate, who led his student colleagues to Silverstone success with a driverless car, has landed his dream job working on jet aircraft radar.
Just a year later, they finished fourth in an event dubbed the world’s biggest student engineering competition at the home of the British Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old from Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire collected his degree at the Usher Hall last week, having started work at Leonardo’s Edinburgh base working on the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Lewis said: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school. I went to an Edinburgh Napier open day and eventually picked software engineering. I’ve certainly never regretted it since!
“The Formula Student team didn’t exist at all until a couple of years ago. I just happened to bump into Lucas, who was behind it, at a university social event.
“Because of my degree, it was the perfect opportunity to start a driverless team. Thankfully, a lot of people were interested in joining.
“Formula Student was probably vital to landing the job. It really came to light when I did my interview. I did a presentation of my work with the team, and I think that hit well.”
Lewis’s driverless team of around 15 ENU students were the only group from around 20 teams in this year’s IMechE Formula Student competition to complete the 10 lap Endurance Event without hitting a cone. They finished one point away from 3rd place overall.
Lewis added: “To get that result in our first ever year competing is unheard of in the FS-AI competition, and I think really demonstrates our achievement and what we can do when we put our minds to it.
“What makes me proudest is seeing the idea grow into a talented and welcoming team that will be here to stand for years to come, and that future students can get involved with such a fantastic project alongside their main degree. I have made some unforgettable friendships along the way.
“It’s one of those things, you keep your head down and keep working, and later you take a step back and say ‘yeah, this is pretty cool!”
As for the future, Lewis concluded: “I’d love to get involved in space one day. I just want to keep improving.”
Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the national healthcare improvement body and regulator of private healthcare services for Scotland, has published the latest inspection reports for private healthcare services.
In Scotland, private hospitals and private clinics provided by doctors, nurses, dental care professionals or midwifes are required to be registered with our organisation. We currently have over 500 private healthcare services across Scotland that are registered or completing registration.
It is only by choosing a private healthcare service registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland that patients can be assured that the services they use meet the high standards of quality expected of registered services.
Our organisation published the inspection reports for a total of six private clinics and hospitals across Scotland.
The focus of the inspection to the Spire Hospital, Murrayfield, was on the safe delivery of the service’s provision of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT).
As the healthcare improvement body for Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland is also the regulator for private healthcare services, including private hospitals, hospices, private psychiatric hospitals and clinics, which provide a wide range of services from cosmetic procedures to wholly private dentistry, health screening, travel clinics and others.
Inspections of services are carried out to ensure that the providers comply with standards and regulations.
Lynsey Cleland, Director of Quality Assurance at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, comments:“It is vital that the people of Scotland who opt to use private healthcare services receive the best quality and standard of care, which is why these clinics must be registered with us and must submit to regular inspection.
“The majority of the private clinics we regulate provide cosmetic interventions. It is crucial that we provide assurances for the public that these procedures are carried out in safe and regulated environments.
“Registered clinics are required to demonstrate that they take the safety of their clients seriously, that they operate to the highest standards and are committed to continually improving the service they provide for clients.
“People should always check that a clinic is registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland before undertaking treatments.”
You can find out more about the regulation of private clinics in Scotland by listening to our podcast episode:
Difference in wages narrower in Scotland than UK as a whole
Fair Work Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed figures showing the gender pay gap in Scotland has fallen to a record low.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings shows the gender pay gap in Scotland fell from 3% in 2022 to 1.7% in 2023 – the lowest since the series began in 1997.
At the same time, the gap increased from 7.6% to 7.7% in the UK as a whole.
The ONS survey also shows full-time women’s weekly pay in Scotland rose 10.6% over the year – the largest annual increase of the 12 countries and regions of the UK.
Wages for full-time employees rose higher in Scotland with median weekly pay increasing 9.7% over the year to hit £702.80 in 2023. The UK-wide figure was up 6.2% to £681.70.
The ONS survey was published ahead of Living Wage Week, which highlights its benefits to businesses, employees and the economy. In Scotland in 2022, 91% of over-18s were paid at least the real Living Wage – the highest rate of the four nations in the UK.
The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to improve women’s access to the workforce, including a series of actions to support women in entrepreneurship and expanded access to funded childcare for low-income families.
Fair Work Secretary Neil Gray said: “This survey shows Scotland continues to have a lower gender pay gap than the UK as a whole, which is welcome, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
“While employment law is reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government is committed to improving workers’ rights and conditions through our Fair Work approach, and encourage all employers to take action to tackle gender pay gaps in Scotland.
“Our National Strategy for Economic Transformation sets out a programme of action for a fairer and more equal society, including for employers to pay at least the real Living Wage and address pay and employment gaps – vital in tackling the cost of living crisis and in-work poverty, issues that can have a disproportionate effect on women.
“It is only with the powers of an independent nation that we can use all the levers other governments have to tackle poverty and inequalities.”
Bereaved parents who lost their partner between 9 April 2001 and 8 February 2023 may be eligible for a backdated government payment even if they no longer have dependent children.
The Government extended eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) and Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA) to cohabiting parents with dependent children in February. These benefits were previously only available to bereaved parents who were married or in a civil partnership.
The payments are designed to help with the financial impact of losing a partner and can be backdated to 30 August 2018. Anyone who had dependent children when they lost their cohabiting partner should check GOV.UK for more information.
DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said: “This change will help provide many more bereaved families with children access to the financial support they need through a profoundly difficult time.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to claim as soon as possible so that they can ensure that they benefit from these backdated payments.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) opened a 12-month window for cohabiting parents to backdate their claims. Parents whose partner died before 9 February 2023 have until the end of 8 February 2024 to do so. After this, it will not be possible to claim WPA and they will not get their full entitlement to backdated BSP.
Parents will be eligible for different benefits depending on the date their partner died. If they died before 6 April 2017, they would need to claim WPA. If they died on or after 6 April 2017, they would need to claim BSP, which has replaced WPA.
Payments can only be backdated to 30 August 2018, even if a partner died before this date.
Alison Penny MBE, Director of the Childhood Bereavement Network said: “Time is ticking on for the thousands of families that could be eligible for a back-dated payment but haven’t yet claimed. It’s crucial that we find them so they can make a decision about putting in a claim before the window closes and they miss out.
“We’re urging friends, families and support organisations to spread the word. Even if someone was bereaved a long time ago, it’s worth exploring whether they are eligible for a back payment.”
BSP claims can be made online, over the phone or through a paper application form. WPA claims are only processed by paper forms. These can be downloaded from the GOV.UK website or requested via the Bereavement Service helpline: 0800 151 2012.
New Reform Scotland research on orthopaedic waiting lists and times
BMA Chair says workforce “running on empty”
Reform Scotland announces major debate on improvements needed to NHS ahead of 2048 centenary
Reform Scotland today releases research that reveals sharply rising waiting lists and times for orthopaedic procedures in Scotland’s hospitals. Freedom of Information requests to health boards obtained comparable figures on waiting lists and times in orthopaedics, and the specific data for hip operations.
The paper also marks the launch of a major Reform Scotland research programme that will explore the changes required if the struggling NHS is to reach its 2048 centenary in better health.
Dr Iain Kennedy, chair of BMA Scotland, said: “It is a system bursting at the seams, with a workforce running on empty – there are not enough of us to give our patients the time and care they need and deserve.
“The time for platitudes has long passed – we need action, and we need it now.”
The full paper – NHS 2048: Future-proofing Scotland’s health and social care – can be read here. It reveals that:
11 health boards have seen at least a doubling in the wait time for a hip operation from point of decision. This includes an increase from 163 days to 386 in Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and an increase from 114 days to 360 in Lothian.
The waiting list for a hip operation has more than tripled since 2019 in Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife, Grampian, Lothian and Tayside
Well over 10,000 people are on the waiting list for a hip operation, up from just over 3,000 in 2019.
While the increase in waiting times is deeply worrying, waiting times data only covers the point from when a decision to treat was made. As a result, patients will in reality be waiting far longer. There is further data on orthopaedic operations in general, showing around 45,000 on a waiting list.
Reform Scotland, a non-partisan think tank, is calling for an open, constructive and mature conversation about improving the NHS in time for its centenary, and has been joined in that call by Dr Iain Kennedy.
Dr Iain Kennedy said: “The figures in this report from Reform Scotland are shocking, yet not surprising. BMA Scotland has been warning for some time that the NHS in Scotland simply cannot deliver what is expected of it under its current limitation.
“It is a system bursting at the seams, with a workforce running on empty – there are not enough of us to give our patients the time and care they need and deserve.
“The time for platitudes has long passed – we need action, and we need it now. We are in a year-round crisis with our NHS and workforce planning is abysmal.
“The Scottish Government must move forward with their commitment to have a cross-party national conversation on the future of our health service – an open and honest discussion that also involves the profession and the public.
“Enough is enough, we cannot continue on this path if we want to futureproof our NHS for generations to come.”
Jacqui McMillan, a consultant surgeon in the West of Scotland, said: “Reform Scotland’s report is a stark warning of how bad things have become.
“As an orthopaedic surgeon I am working as hard as ever, and yet my waiting list seems to be growing longer. Seeing my patients in pain and knowing how long they are likely going to have to wait for their operation breaks my heart.
“Having to tell patients they could be waiting for more than a year for an operation they need in order to get through a day without pain is really difficult.”
Chris Deerin, Director of Reform Scotland, said: “We need a mature, constructive debate to identify and build consensus around specific measures that will help our health and care services in both the short and long term.
“The electorate can cope with this discussion. They know that the health service is ill – they live with the consequences every day. Are the politicians up to it, though? Can they set aside petty party differences and work together to save this vital public service?
“If we are to maintain a taxpayer-funded, free-at-the-point-of-need system up to the NHS’s centenary in 2048, reform is required in order to make the best use of the resources we have.
“Reform Scotland will provide a platform for that discussion to take place.”
POLICE Scotland has faced unprecedented levels of violence while protecting communities from Bonfire Night disorder.
While initial analysis suggests no rise in recorded fireworks offences, compared to last year, throughout Sunday, 5 November, 2023, there were a number of serious disturbances that required a specialist police response across the country.
In Edinburgh, officers received reports from concerned members of the public at around 4.40pm in relation to a large group of both adults and young people gathering in the Hay Avenue area,
Approximately 50 youths within this group were responsible for directing fireworks at vehicles and buildings with members of the public inside and escalated their behaviour when police arrived, attacking both uniformed and Public Order Officers with fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles.
Detectives investigating the attacks on officers within Niddrie are actively pursuing a number of individuals, who they believe were providing local youths with fireworks and petrol bombs to target police. Inquiries into this matter are continuing.
In Dundee, two police vehicles, that were out to provide a visible presence to the local community, were damaged after being struck by bricks in the Beauly Square area at 6.55pm.
In Glasgow, at around 9pm, police received a report of two separate groups of youths fighting and throwing fireworks at one another within the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch.
In total, eight officers sustained minor injuries during deployments in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
While only a small number of arrests were made on the evening, as a result of the significant challenges officers faced to ensure no harm came to communities, substantial pieces of evidence have already been gathered and dedicated inquiry teams have been established to progress these investigations.
It is anticipated further arrests will take place in the coming days.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but once again, a minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured.
“We took learning from last year’s operation and enhanced the level of Public Order resources available to local policing divisions to ensure we could get these assets into locations they were needed quicker, providing a more robust response to criminal incidents.
“The lower levels of disorder experienced in other parts of the country demonstrates that this approach was the correct one. Our partnership work ensured that there was a reduction in damage to public property and that, overall, the emergency services and wider communities were better protected.
“However, the violent nature of the situation witnessed in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh is extremely concerning, not least because it is believed young people were being actively encouraged and co-ordinated by adults to target officers while they carried out their duties.
“Investigations into the offences that arose throughout Scotland on Sunday evening are continuing and we will make every effort to ensure anyone who was involved is identified and brought to justice. If any members of the public believe they have information that can assist our inquiries, then please contact us via 101, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Police Scotland officers were subjected to unprecedented levels of violence, and yet they continued to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to keeping communities safe.
“I am both proud of, and grateful to, all of those who were on duty and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public during this very challenging time.”
Firefighters come under attack while responding to 999 calls on Bonfire night
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported nine attacks during an eight-hour period.The attacks happened in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire and Blackburn in West Lothian.
There were no injuries reported to the crews involved however a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service.
These attacks have followed four previously reported attacks on crews in Ayrshire and Edinburgh in the week leading up to Bonfire Night, as well as two further attacks over the weekend in Troon and Glasgow.
This totals 15 attacks on firefighters over a period of one week.
Andy Watt Assistant Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.
“Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.
“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police – when they are supporting us on scene to ensure the safety of our personnel.
“We thank our emergency service partners Police Scotland for their continued assistance and we will continue to work in partnership with them to identify those responsible.
“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a small minority within society and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”
SFRS received more than 892 calls from the public and Operations Control mobilised firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 12 Midnight on Sunday, 5 November.
In the run up to the event, the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
ACO Watt added: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year. “We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services in order to protect communities, which is always our top priority.
“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline personnel, our Operations Control staff and our support staff who have shown incredible commitment over this busy period.
“Their dedication has allowed us to continue to protect communities throughout Scotland on Bonfire Night.”
City council leader Cammy Day said last night: “I’m appalled to see the scenes in Niddrie this evening. This behaviour is unacceptable.
“We’ve been working with our partners and in our communities to mitigate Bonfire Night related disruption, so it is extremely disappointing to see a minority of people behaving in this way.
“I would reassure residents that we are working closely with Police Scotland to ensure the community are safe and appeal to anyone who can help identify those responsible to contact police so they can be dealt with appropriately by the justice system.”
Police Statement 9pm Sunday 5 November:
We are currently dealing with an incident of significant disorder in the Hay Avenue area of Edinburgh, which began around 4.40pm this afternoon.
Reports were received of a large number of youths involved in the antisocial use of fireworks and local officers requested support from the #OpMoonbeam specially-trained Public Order resource.
Police in attendance are currently being subjected to attacks involving fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles and the public is asked to avoid the area while the response is ongoing.
There are a number of local road closures in place and we will advise when these re-open.
The public is thanked for their assistance with this matter.
AT 8.30 last night:
#OpMoonbeam resources are supporting officers in Hay Avenue to deal with significant fireworks disorder. Officers are being attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles. Some local roads are closed. Please avoid the area for the time-being while we respond.
– 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.
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.
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.
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