Tag: Sunday 3 November

Edinburgh Diwali’s 10th Anniversary

Edinburgh Diwali (SC047483), a registered Scottish charity, has been organising Edinburgh’s primary public Diwali celebration since 2015. This vibrant, multicultural event warmly welcomes people of all backgrounds and has become one of Edinburgh’s most popular community-led festivals, now a fixture in the city’s festive calendar.

The 2024 Diwali celebration, scheduled for Sunday, 3 November, marks Edinburgh Diwali’s 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, Edinburgh Diwali held a special reception in the Scottish Parliament’s Holyrood Room on 30 October, kindly sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP, who welcomed attendees.

Distinguished guests included First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar MSP, Minister for Equality Kaukab Stewart  MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Neil Bibby MSP, and the Indian Consul General in Edinburgh, Mr Siddharth Malik.

The event brought together over 100 guests, including representatives from community organisations, councillors, and long-time supporters of Edinburgh Diwali.

Dancers from Ahalya Dance Academy and Dance Ihayami showcased traditional and fusion performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Mr Rajnish Singh, President of Edinburgh Diwali, extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the sponsor, speakers, performers, attendees, photographers, decorators, and the Scottish Parliament events team on behalf of the Edinburgh Diwali Committee. Guests enjoyed an evening of light refreshments and celebration.

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Hosting cultural events in the Scottish Parliament, at the heart of Scottish democracy, serves as a powerful reminder that: Culture Matters.”

“It matters to Our Communities—by celebrating religious freedoms and cultural expression, strengthening community bonds, and promoting cooperation and unity within our diverse society.”

“It matters for Cross-Cultural understanding—encouraging us to engage with each other’s faiths, cultural practices, and customs, helping combat prejudice and fostering a more tolerant society.”

Royal Highland Centre to host Fawkes Festival – Scotland’s largest fireworks event this year

Scotland’s Largest Fireworks Event Will Welcome 15,000 Visitors And Offer a Safer Way to Experience the Fun

  • New professionally managed festival set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Fawkes alternative to individual family shows 
  • One night extravaganza will take place on Sunday 3rd November

The Royal Highland Centre and Showground located at Ingliston on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, is set to host Scotland’s largest fireworks event this year. The new professionally managed festival – Fawkes Festival – is set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Guy Fawkes alternative to individual family shows and will take place on Sunday 3rd November.

Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, Fawkes Festival promises a feel-good evening for the whole family to enjoy. The spectacular fireworks event will be a unique and immersive safer way to experience the fun of Guy Fawkes Night.

With breathtaking fireworks accompanied by entertainment including the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the sensational street theatre and LED drummers’ troupe, Spark! who magically transform the landscape with mysterious characters, there’s something for everyone. 

Sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, Fawkes Festival’s feel-good programme of entertainment will boast everything from fairground rides to food and drink, a roaring bonfire, sky trackers, lasers and more. 

Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said: “We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s Red Hot Fawkes Festival to the Royal Highland Centre this year and look forward to welcoming over 15,000 visitors for an evening filled with delicious food and drinks, breathtaking performances and a spectacular fireworks display.

“At GC Live we are committed to creating events which are both enjoyable and safe for all attendees. An organised and large-scale fireworks events such as Fawkes Festival, held under strict safety regulations, offers a very secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors at the fireworks event. 

“With professional oversight, designated viewing areas, clear signs throughout the site, crowd management strategies and compliance with established guidelines, Fawkes Festival will ensure that the excitement of fireworks can be enjoyed responsibly and safely.”

Bori Sallaiova, Event Manager at the Royal Highland Centre said: “It has been a privilege to plan and bring this exciting fireworks event to life in collaboration with the team at GC Live. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Royal Highland Centre this November for Fawkes Festival.

“At the Royal Highland Centre we are committed to the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, we are excited to host Fawkes Festival which will be conducted under strict safety protocols and expert supervision, reducing the risks associated with private fireworks use.

“GC Live will ensure that guests can experience the excitement of a fireworks display in a secure setting.”

For more information on the Fawkes Festival and to book tickets, go to: 

www.fawkesfestival.com