Tag: Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Diwali to bring cornucopia of colour and light to Edinburgh’s Winter Festival celebration

Edinburgh Diwali 2026: Sunday 15 November 2026

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals will erupt with a fusion of colour, light, music and dance when Edinburgh Diwali returns for its 11th annual celebration on Sunday 15 November.

Open to all and free to attend, over 200 performers and thousands of spectators are expected to take part in the vibrant celebration of Scottish and Indian culture when it comes to Edinburgh city centre.

Looking forward to this year’s celebrations, Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh said: “On Sunday, a vibrant parade from St Andrew Square – led by the Scottish Regiment Band, pipe bands and colourful groups of dancers – will make its way to the Ross Bandstand for live music and dance, building to a spectacular fireworks finale.

“This year’s programme is a rich tapestry of the familiar and the new:  long-standing groups bring their warmth and tradition, and for the very first time we welcome a performance drawing on the story of Diwali from South India, a beautiful addition that speaks to the breadth and depth of this festival across cultures.

“More than 200 performers and over 30 volunteers will give their very best on the day. On behalf of every member of our committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to our performers, our long-standing supporters, and all who have stood by Edinburgh Diwali across the years.

“Come and join us. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbours. Edinburgh Diwali belongs to all of us.”

Further highlights of the programme include the return of the Edinburgh Noise Committee, who will provide party percussion for the parade alongside the Glencorse Pipe Band for the procession from St Andrew Square to Castle Street. Other parade participants include Bihari Ladies Group, Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, University of Edinburgh’s Junoon,  and the Edinburgh-Colombian dance group El Encanto. Plus a celebration of South Indian languages with dance displays of traditional Yatra and Malayali, and an Edinburgh Diwali debut for the Lasya Dance Crew, a collective of artists from across Scotland, united by their passion for Indian performing arts and a shared vision of celebrating cultural heritage through performance.

Celebrations continue into the early evening at the Ross Bandstand where Edinburgh-based Ahalya Dance Academy will present Narakasuravadham, a captivating dance drama that brings the mythological story behind Diwali and the triumph of good over evil to life. BollyFeat, Dance Ihayami, and Dance@Studio21 will celebrate the rich multicultural diversity of Scotland’s capital. And back by popular demand, the UK’s premier Bollywood rock band Shoonya will provide an electrifying headline set alongside Edinburgh Diwali’s fireworks finale.  

Commenting ahead of this year’s event, Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of Edinburgh’s Diwali. A fantastic celebration of culture, music and community.

“Free and open to all, this year’s Diwali celebrations promise to be extra special with a fantastic parade, performances at the Ross Bandstand and fireworks.  

“Diwali is a celebration of light, hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, we are proud to bring this exciting tradition to the heart of Edinburgh.”

Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Siddharth Malik added: “I extend my warm greetings to everyone on Edinburgh Diwali’s 11th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

“Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness, knowledge dispelling ignorance and hope triumphing over despair resonates across cultures. It is an occasion to celebrate togetherness and share the joy of India’s cultural traditions.

“For more than a decade, Edinburgh Diwali has brought Indian culture into the heart of Scotland’s capital, welcoming Scottish audiences to experience Indian music, dance and festive traditions. Through this shared celebration, it has encouraged understanding and strengthened the bonds between our communities.

“The blending of Scottish bands and ceilidh performances with Indian music and dance gives Edinburgh Diwali a distinctive character. It reflects the friendship between India and Scotland, showing how our traditions can enrich one another and create new experiences that everyone can enjoy.

“From the colourful city-centre parade to the performances and fireworks at Ross Bandstand, this year’s programme promises a joyful celebration for everyone.

“I congratulate the Edinburgh Diwali Committee, performers and volunteers for their dedication toward the event. I warmly encourage everyone to join the festivities and celebrate the light, friendship and community spirit that Diwali represents.

“Shubh Deepavali!”

Edinburgh Diwali President, Rajnish Singh concluded: “Eleven years ago, Edinburgh Diwali began as a small, determined idea — that Scotland’s capital deserved a free, open, public celebration of Diwali that belonged to everyone.

“This Sunday 15 November, we mark our 11th anniversary, and I could not be more proud of how far we have come. Through some of the most challenging years any community organisation could face, not least the funding pressures that followed Covid — our team of volunteers has built Edinburgh Diwali into one of the most popular and beloved community-led events in the city. That is a testament to their dedication, their belief, and their refusal to give up on something truly worth doing.

“Our ethos, Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity, has guided every step of that journey, and it is at the heart of everything you will see and feel this Sunday. As part of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival, we are proud to bring this free celebration to the heart of our city and open it to all.

“The festive spirit is already building. From 6 November, two magnificent idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi stand next to the Ross Bandstand, bringing an authentic Diwali atmosphere to West Princes Street Gardens. Our sincere thanks go to Unique Assembly, a key partner who has made this possible.”

Edinburgh Diwali’s 2026 celebrations will take place on Sunday 15 November across Edinburgh’s New Town. Assembly for the parade will begin at St Andrew Square at 12:30, with live music and performance at the Ross Bandstand from 15:00, finished with a colourful fireworks display around 18:30.

For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali.

Weather Warning: Sunday Closures

Following the Met Office warning for high winds and rain, we’ll be closing Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle Grounds, and Saughton Winter Gardens on the evening of Saturday (24 October) and Sunday (25 October).

We’ll re-open on Monday(26 October) as soon as it is safe.

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.

Lord Provost officially opens iconic Floral Clock for 2026

The Lord Provost has officially unveiled Edinburgh’s Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens, revealing a striking new design celebrating the 20th anniversary of Trellis.

Joined by representatives from the charity, the Lord Provost marked the completion of the display, which took a team of three gardeners six weeks to create.

Comprising around 35,000 colourful flowers and plants across a 200-square-metre display, this year’s Floral Clock has been co-designed with Trellis to celebrate the charity’s work improving mental and physical wellbeing through gardening, plants and connecting with nature.

For the past 20 years, Trellis has supported people to recover from ill health, overcome adversity and build confidence through therapeutic gardening. In the last year alone, the charity has helped more than 1,000 people across Edinburgh and the Lothians improve their health and wellbeing, while supporting communities to create green spaces in hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, prisons, and other community settings.

The 2026 design highlights the positive impact of gardening for wellbeing, inviting visitors to pause, reflect and connect with nature in the heart of the city.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “The Floral Clock is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured landmarks, delighting residents and visitors alike for more than 120 years. Every year, it showcases the incredible talent and dedication of our Parks team while celebrating the people and organisations who make a positive contribution to our city.

I”t is particularly fitting that this year’s design recognises Trellis and the life-changing work they do to improve health and wellbeing through gardening.

“I hope everyone visiting West Princes Street Gardens takes a moment to enjoy this beautiful display and reflect on the power of nature to bring people together.”

Fiona Thackeray, chief executive at Trellis, said: “Through our work, we have seen first-hand the transformative changes that can be achieved by connecting with nature, creating something beautiful and unique outdoors, and meeting other people taking action to manage their own health and wellbeing.

“Over the last 20 years we have supported over 15,000 people across Edinburgh and the surrounding area through therapeutic horticulture. Alongside those we have directly supported, the wider impact is far-reaching.

“From the communities benefiting from the gardens and greenscapes created, to the families of those supported, the impact of the work Trellis does is ever growing, thanks to the support from our donors and funders.

“Receiving this recognition from the City of Edinburgh Council to commemorate the incredible work done by our volunteers and team members is absolutely incredible and we hope it will allow us to continue supporting people in need in the future.”

First created in 1903 by Edinburgh’s then Parks Superintendent, John McHattie, the Floral Clock is the oldest of its kind in the world.

Originally featuring only an hour hand, a minute hand was added in 1904, followed by the famous cuckoo mechanism in 1952. Operated mechanically and wound by hand until 1972, it has celebrated charities, organisations and notable individuals through its annual designs for almost 80 years.

Previous themes have honoured the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to mark her Golden Jubilee. In its centenary year in 2003, the Floral Clock received a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Nepali Mela 2026 in Edinburgh

13th JULY 10am- 7pm

ROSS BANDSTAND in PRINCES STREET GARDENS

Join us at the Nepali Mela on 13 July at Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens

We warmly welcome people from all communities, cultures, and backgrounds to come together, celebrate diversity, enjoy great food, music, and cultural performances.

Bring your family and friends and be part of this wonderful event.

We look forward to welcoming you all!

Man found guilty of serious sexual assault in Princes Street Gardens

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (19 November 2025), a man was found guilty of a serious sexual assault.

James Leckie, 27, was convicted of assaulting and raping a 16-year-old female in Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 16 September, 2023.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “We strongly condemn Leckie’s actions, which caused profound trauma to this young female during this abhorrent crime. Our thoughts are with her, and we hope this conviction offers her some measure of justice.

“We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, and no matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”

The Royal Regiment of Scotland set to mark 20th anniversary with new commemorative statue

A new sculpture to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) has been granted approval by City of Edinburgh Council.

The bronze reclining lion guarding the SCOTS cap badge will be erected in West Princes Street Gardens and unveiled in 2026, marking exactly 20 years since formation.

SCOTS soldiers, veterans and military families have supported local Edinburgh artist, Kenny Hunter, in the design of the statue. It will be cast in six separate sections, representing the unity of Scotland’s six historic infantry regiments that amalgamated to form SCOTS in 2006.

To reflect SCOTS’ deep ties with the city, the lion will take pride of place in the Edinburgh gardens amongst and is intended as a timeless place of quiet reflection for all, with Regimental Headquarters in Edinburgh Castle serving as a fitting backdrop.

Major General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “This statue will stand as a proud symbol of Scotland’s senior line infantry regiment. It reflects our heritage, honours all who have served, and looks ahead to the next generation. It will provide a fitting place for reflection and recognition, not only for the serving and veteran community, but for all who visit our city and its gardens.

“Edinburgh is our home, and we are deeply grateful to City of Edinburgh and those who supported this project, as we mark 20 years of service at home and overseas.”

Formed in 2006, The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army. Today, it consists of three regular battalions, two reserve battalions, and an incremental company dedicated to ceremonial duties.

With 2,300 serving soldiers and more than 9,000 veterans and families, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has been one of the most deployed in the past two decades, acting in almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in.

The unveiling of the statue will form part of The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s year-long programme of events marking its 20th anniversary.

Bronze figurehead of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveiled at Royal Scots Monument

On Saturday 7 June 2025 HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Royal Scots Regimental Association, unveiled a bronze medallion containing a figurehead of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a final addition to The Royal Scots Monument in Princes Street Gardens.  

The monument, originally unveiled on 26 July 1952, commemorates the service rendered by The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) to 16 monarchs from its founding in 1633 under a Royal Warrant from King Charles I until its amalgamation under Defence Review in 2006. The additional medallion marks the final monarch under whom the Regiment served.  

Her Royal Highness, accompanied by Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, was met by the Chair of the Regimental Trustees, Brigadier (retd) George Lowder MBE, and by the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Robert Bruce CBE DSO.

The unveiling was attended by many former Royal Scots and their families as well as members of The Royal Scots Club and representatives of the City of Edinburgh Council.  A service of dedication was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association.

In 2007 The Princess Royal, who was the Regiment’s Colonel in Chief from 1983 until 2006, had graciously unveiled an addition to the monument to mark the Regiment’s amalgamation, the final chapter in its history, and to acknowledge and commemorate the Regiment’s 373 years of proud and loyal service to Crown and Country.

After the unveiling, Her Royal Highness then spent time with former members of the Regiment before leaving for The Royal Scots Club in Abercromby Place where The Princess Royal graciously took the salute at the Club’s annual ceremony of Beating Retreat.

Brigadier George Lowder, Chair of the Regimental Trustees, said: “The Royal Scots have always been, and continue to be, very proud of their long service to Crown and country which is commemorated on this monument.  

“Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the last Sovereign under whom the Regiment served, appointed HRH The Princess Royal to be Colonel in Chief of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1983.  

“We have been greatly honoured, therefore, that The Princess Royal, whose long and continued connection with the Regiment we cherish, has unveiled this final addition to our monument today.”.

Last chance to have your say on Princes Street plans

There’s still time to share your views on council plans to revitalise Princes Street, the Gardens and area around Waverley Station.

The survey closes at midnight TONIGHT – Friday (21 Feb). If you work, live, shop, enjoy visiting or just travel through the city centre, this survey is for you:

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/princesstreetsurvey

• better pavements and crossings

• more places to sit

• less steep path into Princes Street Gardens

• generating a mix of retail, hospitality and leisure

• safer cycling at the east and west of Princes Street

• supporting wildlife, planting more trees and flowers

Old Town, New Town & Broughton and West End community councils submitted the following joint response: