FLY Festival: Eight arrests following disorder in city centre

Eight people were arrested following disorder in Edinburgh city centre over the weekend.

Officers policing the FLY Festival music event at Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, 2026, were faced with a large number of youths attempting to breach the perimeter fencing, involved in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and assaults.

On Saturday, four males, aged 15, 17, 18 and 27, were arrested and charged in connection with offences including assault, breach of the peace and misuse of drugs.

On Sunday, males, aged 12, 18, 18 and 20, were also arrested in connection with similar offences.

Reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities and enquiries remain ongoing into the disorder.

Superintendent Neil Wilson said: “While the majority of people came along to the event in good spirits and without incident, there were others intent on gaining entry without tickets, involved in disorder and violence, and trespassing on the railway line. Bus transport was also disrupted as officers dealt with various incidents.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable, dangerous and will not be tolerated. Everyone should be able to attend the city centre without fear of intimidation or harm at the hands of those who cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

“While there have been eight arrests, further enquiries are ongoing to trace others involved in the disorder. I’d appeal to anyone who has information or footage which could assist us to come forward.”

If you can help, please call 101 quoting reference 1161 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026. Alternatively, you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Volunteer at a music festival at Linlithgow Palace and enjoy the event for FREE

Volunteer at a music festival at Linlithgow Palace and enjoy the event for FREE!

Are you a music fan? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for volunteers to give 4 hours of their time to help at Let’s Rock Scotland (10 August) or Party at the Palace (11 August), both at Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian.

The charity needs volunteers to be at the heart of the festival buzz, scanning entry tickets, selling wristbands and offering raffle tickets to raise funds to support its work. In return volunteers gain FREE access to the rest of the festival fun.

The lineup for Let’s Rock Scotland features iconic artists from the 80s and 90s including UB40, Lulu, ABC, Heaven 17, Big Country, Go West, The Skids, Jaki Graham, Thereza Bazar’s Dollar, and Odyssey. Party at the Palace features Ronan Keating, Bananarama, Callum Beattie, The Farm, Generation, GBX, Mary Kiani, Livin Joy, Sweet Female Attitude, Eves, and Brontes.

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. 

Ruth Sanger, Head of Community Fundraising for Child Bereavement UK said: “This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.

“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds. If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved”.

For more information on volunteering or to see a full list of events please visit: 

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit: 

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40