Tag: Underbelly

£1 million to support safe return of Edinburgh’s Festivals

COVID-19 funding to aid cultural recovery

Producers and venues have been awarded £1 million to support the safe return of live events at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe.

The Scottish Government funding will help to create outdoor performance spaces and mitigate the additional costs faced by producers due to the pandemic.

It has been distributed between the Edinburgh International Festival and nine Fringe producers alongside a further £300,000 from City of Edinburgh Council.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are a highlight on the international cultural calendar and were sorely missed last summer. I am determined to do everything within my power to support the return of these globally significant events and the benefits they bring to Scotland in terms of tourism and trade.

“Although this is an important step towards normality, the huge impact of the pandemic is still widely felt across our festival and events sector as well as our cultural sector more widely.

“Recovery will take time, but this additional funding from the Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council for a number of established Fringe producers and the Edinburgh International Festival will help organisers respond to some of the ongoing challenges they face.

“This is the latest in a wide-ranging package of support the Scottish Government has made available since the start of the pandemic across all of Edinburgh’s Festivals which now totals approximately £6.5 million.”

Councillor Donald Wilson, City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Last year we pledged to continue our support for Edinburgh’s culture and events sectors, in particular through our funding programmes which have contributed to the retention and, as far as possible, stability of the sector.

“The resourcefulness and resilience displayed throughout the crisis to date by this sector has been amazing and through this additional funding we aim to further support their 2021 offering. The value to this city’s economy and the wellbeing of our citizens cannot be underestimated.”

Executive Director of Edinburgh International Festival Francesca Hegyi said: “This support is hugely appreciated in a year when the International Festival is pioneering the return to live performance in Scotland following the pandemic, which requires careful planning and places safety as a top priority.

“Three outdoor venues are core to those safety measures and this funding will go directly towards the costs of those pavilions which we hope will lift the spirits of a country ready to embrace culture and live performance.”

Oh behalf of Gilded Balloon, ZOO, Traverse Theatre and Dance Base, Katy Koren said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding to create a new festival hub celebrating the best of the Edinburgh Fringe and supporting local artists.

“After a fallow year for the Edinburgh Festivals in 2020, we are determined to bring safe events and performances back to the city centre this August in a unique new collaboration.

“We are all very grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and EventScotland – this project would not have been possible without them.”

The Scottish Government’s flagship events programme is supporting the return of internationally significant events. Previous flagship events include EURO 2020 and the British & Irish Lions v Japan test match for the 1888 Cup.

Funding proposals from Fringe producers were reviewed by the Scottish Government, EventScotland and City of Edinburgh Council.

Funding awarded:

Operator (s)Funding awarded
EIF£300,000
Gilded Balloon, Zoo, Traverse Theatre, Dancebase£230,696
Pleasance£169,619
Summerhall£166,780
Space UK£106,681
Assembly£162,962
Underbelly£162,962

The Scottish Government has also provided:

  • £2 million to be invested in Edinburgh and Glasgow’s major arts festivals in 2021/22 through the continuation of the EXPO fund
  • £1 million in 2021/22 through the Edinburgh Festivals Platform for Creative Excellence Programme
  • a £1 million interest-free loan to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, as well as a further £81,000 grant, to ensure their resilience and develop their digital and ticketing platforms
  • funding for individual festival companies and producers through Scottish Government relief funds.

Hogmanay Heights

Edinburgh Castle to become student accommodation and will double as exclusive holiday lets

There has been a furious reaction to news that Edinburgh Castle has been sold – and will be converted into top of the range student accommodation.

The city council says the sale will do much to change the capital’s old-fashioned image but heritage groups say the sale of the castle is an act of barbarism

Glen Morangie, marketing director of Historic Environment Edinburgh, confirmed: “The decision was a no brainer. The building has been lying idle for over a year and it’s beginning to show it’s age.

“The city council has ambitious plans for the city centre so we have decided that now is the time to think outside the box and jump on the bandwagon. Make no mistake, this plan is a win, win.

“The building, which will be renamed Hogmanay Heights, will be converted into as many student flats as we can legally get away with – and as a major plus we have negotiated a deal with the city council to take over Princes Street Gardens.

“The gardens will be coverted into a huge drying space – which we’ll call The Back Green – to enable students to dry their laundry. This is to compensate for the lack of space in the flats – to be honest you won’t be able to swing a cat in them, but students don’t really care about that sort of thing. Laundry, I mean.”

Essential Edinburgh also has plans for Hogmanay Heights during the summer and winter breaks.

Mr Morangie continued: “We’ll send the students packing at end of term, give the flats a quick spruce up and let them out – at exhorbitant rates – to tourists. Visitors to Edinburgh are used to being ripped off so they’ll lap it up – it’s all part of the unique Edinburgh experience!”

Rupert Morningside-Merchiston, a ‘change champion’ consultant for City of Edinburgh Council, said: “There are exciting times ahead in the capital. After a year of pandemic misery this is just the tonic that the citizens of Edinburgh want and need – not that we’ve asked them, of course.

“Rest assured, the city centre will be transformed. The boring old fuddy-duddy stuff will be gone for ever – the trees, the flowers and the statues will be replaced with line after line of crisp clean laundry blowing in the breeze. Auld Reekie no more: and Edinburgh – sponsored by Persil – will lead the way once again.”

The Esplanade will become a massive bicycle shed, which causes a major problem for the organisers of Edinburgh’s world famous Tattoo.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s Pipe Major Ruaridh Bannockburn said: “Of course we’ll miss Edinburgh Castle but times are changing, everyone’s cutting back and shows of miltary might ain’t what they used to be.

“Oddly enough, our very first Tattoo was a small event staged at the Ross Bandstand back in 1949, and it seems that we must now go back to our roots and stage a drastically scaled down Tattoo once again.

“With Underbelly’s permission we will be performing ‘Twa’ Pipers Ana’, Ana’ in a phonebox near the Ross Bandstand this August. Buy your tickets now, but remember to bring your own seat – the prices Underbelly charge are eye-watering!”

Archie Brunstane-Bingham, chairman of the Old Town Preservation Society, was unavailable for comment. It’s understood he’s moved to Glasgow.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay thanks Scotland’s NHS and key workers

  • Edinburgh’s Hogmanay presents a fantastic Torchlight Moment pyro show as part of this year’s online celebrations
  • The dazzling Torchlight Moment is a stand-alone tribute to thank all of Scotland’s NHS and key workers who have worked so tirelessly and selflessly in 2020
  • The Torchlight Moment will be followed by Fare Well, the UK’s largest ever swarm drone show , narrated by an array of Scottish voices including David Tennant

After an unprecedented year, in which Covid-19 has impacted every part of society in Scotland, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kicks off the celebrations with a heartfelt thank you from Scotland’s capital city to NHS staff and key workers throughout the country.

Opening this year’s series of virtual celebrations, the stunning multi-coloured flare display was ignited on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.  Historically the launchpad for thousands of fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight on Hogmanay, this year pyrotechnics came to life in a flaming tribute to NHS staff and key workers for their continued efforts throughout 2020 in keeping everyone safe and well. 

Each letter depicts a different rainbow colour, taking inspiration from the rainbows Scotland the rest of the UK placed in windows and homes across the country during the past year to show support for NHS and key workers.  

Over 193 custom-made  flares were used to create the moment, which was facilitated by Titanium Fireworks, who have historically delivered Edinburgh’s Hogmanay firework midnight moment.

Forming part of a week-long programme of remarkable online celebrations, the Torchlight Moment will be followed by a three-part film, titled Fare Well, to be released in the three days leading up to Hogmanay. 

Fare Well brings together the words of Scots Makar Jackie Kay, the music of NiteWorks from the Isle of Skye, the voices of acclaimed Scottish talent including David Tennant and the pioneering drone technology and filming of Celestial to create the UK’s largest swarm drone display.

Taking inspiration from Scotland’s land and air, the new work takes viewers on a breath-taking visual journey with the help of 150 individual drones from the Scottish Highlands to the capital city, Edinburgh – a journey that closes the year on 2020 and looks forward to a more hopeful year of 2021.

We swing aroon and turn tae the day.

We give thanks fir solidarity;
Drap parcels tae food banks.
Clap oor haunds frae balconies

fir the gift o’ nurses.

Jackie Kay, Fare Well, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020

Charlie Wood & Ed Bartlam, Directors of Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, commented: “At the end of a year no one could have imagined, it was important that we started our week of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations with a heartfelt thank you to those across the UK who have worked so tirelessly to keep us safe during 2020.

“The NHS and our key workers have provided an immeasurable level of help and support and this Torchlight Moment sings Scotland’s gratitude with flaming torches in front one of our greatest national monuments, Edinburgh Castle.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Councillor Adam McVey, said: “Edinburgh is the home of Hogmanay and this year’s digital celebrations will continue, albeit very differently.

“This is a fantastic and innovative way to pay tribute to all of our front-line workers – both in Scotland and across the globe – that have done so much to support us and keep us safe throughout this year.

“To our NHS staff and key workers – for those in the labs working on vaccines, those in food preparation and delivery, for our refuse collectors, postal workers, supermarket workers, police and so many more – we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and hope that 2021 brings with it positive change as we battle to suppress and eradicate this virus.

Depute Leader, Councillor Cammy Day said: “We all clapped for carers and put up rainbows in our windows over the summer and now we light rainbow torches to show our enormous gratitude at the end of this year of tremendous strain on all of our communities.

“It’s wonderful to see this excellent online programme coming to life so that the undisputed Home of Hogmanay can still reach so many people around the world. It will serve as a virtual invitation for everyone to look forward to visiting us again when we’re all able to travel and live more freely in the future.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is the world-renowned home of Hogmanay and every year thousands of people, right across the globe, look forward to the spectacular of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to welcome in the New Year. 

“Although we’re not able to come together physically to bring in the bells this year, we can enjoy a fully digital programme that continues the tradition of celebrating Hogmanay with poetry, music and performance.  I encourage everyone to take part in this year’s series of virtual events and celebrate Hogmanay safely at home.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The Torchlight Moment is the perfect way to kick off Edinburgh’s week-long programme of online Hogmanay celebrations while also recognising the incredibly work of our NHS and frontline workers in keeping us safe and well this year.

“By taking this year’s celebrations online, audiences around the world will still be able to enjoy the magic of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay while staying safe at home.”

Fare Well will be show on www.edinburghshogmanay.com at 7pm each night from 29-31 December 2020.

Edinburgh’s Christmas lights up the capital to thank key workers

  • Edinburgh’s Christmas lights are switched on with a specially lit 18 metre Christmas Rainbow on the Mound to accompany the Tree gifted by Norway.
  • The Christmas Rainbow symbolises both Edinburgh’s celebration of Christmas and gratitude for front line workers
  • Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Norway’s Honorary Consul General switched the lights on following an online meeting between the Lord Provost and Vestland County Convenor, Jon Askeland.

Edinburgh looks very different this Christmas to any other year in recent memory. However, despite the lack of any live activity, City of Edinburgh Council and its Edinburgh’s Christmas producer, Underbelly, wanted to mark Light Night, the traditional switch-on, which is usually seen by thousands of locals every year, with something different to mark 2020 – the Christmas Rainbow.

The illuminated rainbow, which sits at over 18 metres wide on the Mound and adjacent to the Christmas Tree gifted to Edinburgh by Vestland in Norway, gives thanks to Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s front-line workers who have given so much during the recent pandemic and so provides a one-off festive celebration for Edinburgh.

The Christmas Tree and the Christmas Rainbow were switched on by The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross and the Honorary Consul General for Norway, David Windmill on Friday the 27th November, which succeeded an online meeting between the Lord Provost and the Vestland County Convener Jon Askeland.

Charlie Wood, co-director of Underbelly for Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “There is no denying that Christmas this year will be a tough time for most. Many have lost loved ones and lots of us will be unable to spend the holidays with friends and family due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

“This was one of the reasons that we wanted to continue the tradition of the Edinburgh’s Christmas light switch on, in a safe and physically distanced way, and, most especially, why we wanted to mark what has been such a negative year with the Christmas Rainbow and the Christmas Tree, as symbols of colour, of light, of celebration, of positivity and of gratitude.”

Frank Ross, Lord Provost said: “Our annual Light Night signals the start for the festive season for me, but this year, like most things, we are doing it differently. 

“Whilst we can’t come together as a city for Light Night, I hope this year’s Christmas rainbow helps us enter the festive spirit, spread some happiness whilst celebrating and paying tribute to those in in our communities, NHS, key workers, volunteers and businesses who have gone above and beyond in this most challenging of years.

“With our partners Underbelly, we are committed to do all we can to bring Christmas spirit to the Capital and keep some of our traditions.  Our priority throughout remains people’s safety and making sure everything we deliver is Covid-secure.

“The Christmas lights will be switched on throughout the city in the coming days and we hope this helps to create a festive atmosphere and I sincerely wish that we can all have the happiest Christmas we can.”

David Windmill, Honorary Consul General for Norway said: “In a year when there has been so much change and difficulty for us all it was important for Norway to maintain its tradition of gifting the Christmas tree to the City of Edinburgh.

“This beautiful tree in the centre of the city reflects the gratitude of the people of Vestland on the west coast of Norway for help and support in the past and also the hope that this time next year we shall be celebrating the joyous and traditional Christmas in Edinburgh that we all know so well.”

Celebrate Christmas with the magical Santa at Home

20% discount for EH postcode holders

First 100 bookers eligible to win two-night London stay

Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, Underbelly and Mr and Mrs Santa Claus of 1 Forest Drive, Reindeer Road, North Pole NP47 2020, today announce the launch of an exclusive partnership to bring the magic of Santa’s Official Grotto ONLINE this Christmas to all Edinburgh residents, big or small!

Santa Claus runs the world’s biggest manufacturing and delivery company from his workshops in the North Pole, with the help of his longstanding staff of over 600,000 elves and 10,000 reindeer.

As we prepare for what sadly might be a mainly digital Christmas this year, Santa at Home will give children of all ages, from all over the world, the unique opportunity to meet Santa in a personalised and private Zoom session live from the North Pole.

We will bring the magic of Santa’s Grotto to a safe, socially distanced and wonderful online experience for everyone in the Scottish capital to enjoy. All EH postcode holders will receive a 20% discount when booking for Santa at Home Official.

Up to 6 children can meet Santa in any one session and unlimited family members can also join a session to watch their children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces or nephews meet Santa LIVE from the North Pole.

Thanks to Santa’s unique magical powers (and a bit of elbow grease from his elves and the “big children”), Santa will know each and every child on the call by name and will also have inside information on them to ensure the experience is completely personalised to the children that he meets.

And with the consent of you ‘big children’, we’ll even record the session and send you a video file FREE as a very special Santa present to cherish forever.

The first 100 people to book sessions with Santa will automatically be entered in a prize draw to win a 2-night stay in an Apex Hotel when restrictions allow.

Santa at Home is a magical opportunity for family and friends, grandchildren and grandparents, and cousins and aunts to come together in a shared and special moment online, allowing everyone to cast aside worries of the last year and to enjoy a moment of pure festive joy with Mr Claus himself.

Santa at Home is proud to be supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) and The Brain Tumour Charity this Christmas. All customers will be given the option at checkout to make a donation, with all proceeds being split equally between the two charities, supporting their invaluable work.

To develop his Zoom presence in preparation for this special experience aimed at children and their loved ones, Santa has been working with Gill Robertson, Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Musselburgh-based producers of work for children and young people. 

Key Facts:

  • Fully private and personalised sessions for Santa at Home are now available to pre-book at www.santaathomeofficial.com with slots available from Monday 23 November until 24 December.
  • EH postcode holders receive 20% discount.
  • Sessions start at £42 for up to 6 children from multiple households (equivalent to £7 per child).
  • Unlimited invited grown-ups
  • Free recording of the session will be shared with participants (adult consent required)
  • Each bespoke Santa at Home session will last up to 12 minutes and is a unique and personalised experience for children, parents, friends and extended family alike. Big children will be expected to help Mr Claus and his Elves in gathering vital information.

Mr Santa Claus said: “I’ve been elf-isolating for hundreds of years and absolutely nothing is going to stop me from zooming down your chimney on Christmas Eve – I am a key worker after all! 

“I’m also really excited to be able to meet all you wonderful children of Edinburgh via the tippedy-tap computers, tablets and other gadgets this year.  My new online grotto will allow me to meet up to six children at any one time and all the people you most care about can join in the magic as well.”

Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood, Directors of Underbelly said: “Christmas is all about family and we wanted to make it possible for families to gather together to share in a special festive moment.

“With so many of us experiencing difficult times and maybe facing a lonelier Christmas this year, we are very pleased and honoured to partner with Santa Claus to offer Santa at Home Official to residents of Edinburgh, big or small.

“We are also delighted to be able to offer a 20% discount to all EH postcode holders who we hope will enjoy the magical opportunity to meet the man himself at his base in the North Pole.

“We are pleased to be supporting two amazing charities on this special project, GOSH Charity and The Brain Tumour Charity, both of which are very close to our Underbelly hearts. Their life-changing work is incredibly important, and we hope that our Santa at Home visitors will be able to help support them as much as possible.

“Whether you’re a Santa’s elf or a little Grinch, Santa at Home is bound to put Christmas joy in your heart, so get booking!”

Producers of Santa at Home Official, Underbelly, also revealed the special digital programme for Edinburgh’s Christmas earlier this month which focuses on helping Edinburgh residents and businesses in these unprecedented times of hardship.

Advent Stories, daily bedtime stories written by Edinburgh and Lothians young budding writers and read by Santa Claus himself, will be published online and freely accessible, every day of the Advent for everyone to enjoy.

Shining a special light on the amazing array of artisan producers, makers, local retailers, bakers, gift companies, accessory and clothing businesses, hotels and restaurants in the Scottish capital, Neighbourhood Market is a digital platform established to support and celebrate local, independent businesses and it is live now!

For information on how to submit a story or to explore and shop in the Neighbourhood Market, visit www.edinburghschristmas.com.

Bringing festive cheer to Edinburgh this Christmas

Celebrating Edinburgh’s creative community and local businesses

  • Advent Stories: Santa has a special ask of Edinburgh this year.
  • Neighbourhood Market: Shop local and support city businesses.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is set to help the city celebrate Christmas safely and differently this year, with the announcement of a new digital programme by Underbelly, Producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas. 

Following a year of unprecedented hardship for both residents and businesses, this year Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrates its creative community and supports local businesses to bring festive cheer to people across Edinburgh.

Santa’s Advent Stories, 1 – 24 December 2020

Daily bedtime stories from the man himself

A film of Santa asking children to help by sending in Advent Stories.

Santa Claus will keep the Edinburgh’s Christmas spirit alive and bring some magic to each day of Advent, by reading a free, festive story every evening before bedtime on Edinburgh’s Christmas website each day of Advent providing families with a daily dose of comfort.  

Edinburgh’s Christmas (and Santa Claus, who needs some help as his elves are busy making toys) are calling on budding writers of all ages, from within Edinburgh and the Lothians to send in a story filled with festivity, hope and fun. 

Santa Claus himself will select the winners and will read them out, and Edinburgh’s Christmas will publish them on the website.

Full details can be found at www.edinburghschristmas.com.

Entries open today and should be submitted by Sunday 22nd Nov.

Supported by the team at Forth 1, Boogie In The Morning hosts, Boogie & Arlene will be among the presenters who will encourage listeners to enter the competition and will support Santa in reading some of the stories from his grotto in the North Pole.

Shop local at Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market

Edinburgh’s local businesses will be the focus of a new online campaign and virtual shop window in a new online neighbourhood market.

From today, a sign up portal on www.edinburghschristmas.com will open for local, independent businesses to enter their information to be part of the Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market.

The Market is expected to showcase artisan producers, makers, local retailers, bakers, gift companies, accessory and clothing businesses, hotels and restaurants – putting the focus on supporting and celebrating local, independent businesses and will open to customers on 19 November.   

The Market is entirely free to sign up to. It will act as a directory to direct people to a fantastic range of local suppliers where they can purchase and interact on the supplier’s own site.

Throughout the campaign, the neighbourhood market will put a spotlight on a range of selected local businesses each day, showcasing the wealth of product and produce on offer in Edinburgh. 

In addition to featuring on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website, the promotion and marketing support will extend to the official Edinburgh’s Christmas channels. These include 126,000 followers on Facebook, 9,300 on Instagram and 13,300 on Twitter.

The platform will also highlight activity that is already happening in the city, with information and a location map highlighting each of the local farmers markets in the city.

Ashley Harley, Events Manager at Mimi’s Bakehouse said: “We have always loved being part of Edinburgh Christmas and as a local Edinburgh business we love helping to ensure there is local presence so this digital platform is such a fantastic idea.

“Giving Edinburgh businesses a chance to showcase the amazing gifts, produce, food and drink the city has to offer and utilise to Edinburgh Christmas platform will be sure to generate some sales at a time when the retail and food and drink has taken a real blow. We encourage everyone to shop local this year and support your independents whilst having a safe and happy Christmas.”

Ruth Fisher, Producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas for Underbelly, said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is a hugely important event for the city and this year’s digital programme has been designed to put Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first. 

“The new Christmas Neighbourhood Market is designed to shine a spotlight on the wealth of products and produce that we have here in Edinburgh and encourage residents to shop locally this Christmas. 

“As a key worker, Santa is very much at the heart of our plans.  We look forward to reading the story submissions and working with Santa and his elves to produce a great series of Advent Stories.  In what has been an unprecedented year for Edinburgh, we hope that the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme brings some cheer and enjoyment to everyone this festive season.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and, as Edinburgh’s Christmas goes digital this year, our residents and local businesses will be at the heart of it all.

“What an honour to have Santa Claus himself reading bedtime stories every night leading up to the big day!

“The new online Neighbourhood Market promises to be an exciting and convenient outlet for Christmas shopping and a fantastic opportunity for local businesses of all kinds. This year, more than ever, it’s essential to support our local businesses and through the Neighbourhood Market we can do this while at the same time staying safe and having some festive fun.

“I’m glad that although we can’t be together at our usual popular events this year, this digital programme ensures that the Capital will still have plenty of Christmas spirit.”

Boogie, Presenter of Forth 1’s Boogie In The Morning show said: “Forth 1 has worked with Edinburgh’s Christmas & Hogmanay for many years so we are delighted to be involved in Santa’s Advent Stories.

“We all know that Christmas could be very different this year so anything at all that Arlene and I can do to help bring some festive cheer to the fantastic people of Edinburgh and beyond, then we are very keen to support it where we can. We love the Santa’s Advent Stories idea!”

Edinburgh’s Christmas goes digital

Edinburgh Christmas sign and big wheel

The City of Edinburgh Council and event producers, Underbelly, have announced an update on this year’s Edinburgh Christmas, following latest advice and discussions with public health experts.

Following the recent national restrictions and taking into consideration the likely additional strain on services over winter, it has been agreed that any sort of event which could attract a gathering or crowd will be avoided. This includes market stalls, rides and all other attractions.
 
Instead, the focus will move to celebrating Edinburgh’s Christmas 2020 online. 
 
In August, Councillors unanimously agreed proposals to adapt this year’s festivals to prioritise Edinburgh’s residents and businesses whilst also recognising the uncertainty of running live events during a pandemic. All parties committed to continue with developing plans in order to meet the significant changes required to follow appropriate public health guidance.
 
Planning continued to reflect up-to-date government guidelines with the intention to have a far smaller scale physical presence in the city centre, however it is now clear that the best place to experience Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay will be from home. 
 
Further details of the revised plans for both will be announced in due course.
 
Cllr Adam McVey, Council Leader at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As we’ve continued to adapt to the changing circumstances presented by the pandemic, we’ve continued to work with our partners to develop potential plans for events, which could meet public health guidance, to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory.
 
“However, as we’ve maintained throughout, our utmost responsibility is to keep our residents safe. Following the latest restrictions and through the development of plans, it became apparent that activities for Christmas were not going to be possible. 
 
“Christmas is a special time in our city and hugely exciting for individuals and families who take advantage of the City’s winter offer. Whilst we understand the absence of popular events will bring some disappointment, we want to be clear that Edinburgh’s Christmas isn’t cancelled and our businesses right across the City will be offering their usual festive cheer for us to take advantage of.

“We look forward to announcing details of an innovative digital 2020 programme soon to help in these celebrations.”

Cllr Cammy Day, Depute Leader at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Christmas is usually 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.
 
“Whilst, of course, we’re extremely disappointed we won’t be able to go ahead with public events and the city centre sites this year, our absolute priority must always be the health and wellbeing of the public, traders and the city as a whole and to follow public health advice. 
 
“I would like to thank Underbelly and our other event partners for all their work as we tried to plan for Christmas in an evolving situation and, whilst Christmas 2020 will take a different shape this year, rest assured the city of Edinburgh will celebrate Christmas.” 

Charlie Wood, director of Underbelly, producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “We very much wanted to bring some festive cheer and light to Edinburgh this Christmas and to support local makers and producers, at the end of what has been a challenging year for everyone.  
 
“Public health is our absolute number one priority, and with the ongoing uncertainty concerning Covid-19 and the possibility of further restrictions, we have taken the collective and very sad decision with the Council, NHS Lothian and Scottish Government not to proceed with this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas sites in the city centre.

“There will be no public events which might encourage gatherings of people at either Edinburgh’s Christmas or Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
 
“We appreciate today’s announcement will be disappointing to the many people, particularly families, who come each year to enjoy the Christmas sites; but we are exploring a different Edinburgh’s Christmas this year which will deliver a series of digital opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy from their own homes. We will share more information on the revised winter festival programme in the near future.”

On Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Charlie Wood added: “We announced back in July that the world-famous Street Party would not be taking place this year.

“Since then, we have been developing plans to mark New Year in the world’s home of Hogmanay, and to help Scotland celebrate with a sense of hope and new beginnings. We’ll be making further announcements in the coming weeks.”

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “Given the circumstances surrounding Covid-19 this is the correct decision.

“It is now important for Edinburgh Council to focus on the economic recovery for Edinburgh and focus on the promotion of future festivals and ensure that these events can bounce back.

“Considerations needs to be given to innovative Covid-19 safe events for young families, to make Christmas as normal as possible for everyone.”

Council pushes ahead with Winter Festival plans

Councillors have approved initial plans for delivering Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay differently this winter.

Thursday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee saw cross-party agreement for the proposals developed by the Council and event producers Underbelly to adapt this year’s festivals in light of COVID-19 and put ‘Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first’.

Further meetings for both events will now take place to refine plans and help to ensure Edinburgh’s place as the home of Hogmanay and world-class Christmas celebrations remains intact, before further details are launched later in the year.

The council insists the final go-ahead for events will remain subject to the latest public health guidance in Edinburgh.

Under the proposals Princes Street Gardens will continue to host the Big Wheel and Star Flyer and the much-criticised Christmas Market will also return, albeit with a renewed focus as the Edinburgh Chrsitmas Makers’ Market.

A City Centre Trail is alo being developed to ‘spread the footprint’ of events which previously have centred on East Princes Street Gardens

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We all agree that Edinburgh needs a very different approach to Christmas and Hogmanay this year. Safety absolutely needs to come first and I’m pleased that the proposal for lowering numbers and spreading activity so that we can continue to support local businesses has received cross-party support.

“These plans provide the people of Edinburgh with an enjoyable, fitting series of events to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory. There is a strong focus on support for local all-year-round business which will ensure that if events go ahead, our local traders will see even more benefit to help them survive and thrive.

“I can’t stress enough however that all plans will need to be subject to the latest public health guidance, and of course the continued containment of COVID-19 in Edinburgh, before we can say with certainty that these specific plans will take place.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “There is no question that we’ll have to adapt this year’s Winter Festivals and this report sets out how we intend to do that.

“We’ll be looking at dispersing the Christmas market from the City Centre and offering a special Torchlight event to thank key workers, and as far as we can we want to put on a programme we can all enjoy after a challenging year. Working with Underbelly, the city of Edinburgh will remain one of the world’s finest celebrations of Christmas and New Year.

“We’ll need to keep numbers lower but we also have an opportunity to spread activity further out to help support local businesses and communities. These events are so important for our local economy and we’ll use this winter as an opportunity to explore trying something new, using hardstanding surfaces wherever possible.

“We also need to make sure that at this critical time, when local businesses will need footfall more than ever, we put on a show which residents and visitors can really enjoy and come to, and that they are encouraged to support businesses while they’re here.”

Charlie Wood, a Director of Underbelly which produces Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events on behalf of the Council, said: “We’re delighted that the Council has reached a unanimous decision on the way forward for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.

“As we move forward into detailed planning, our absolute priority will continue to be public safety and putting Edinburgh first.

“We look forward to developing and delivering the programme in collaboration with the Council and other key partners to retain the city’s global status as a destination for Christmas and Hogmanay.”

Further information on what is proposed can be viewed in the Committee report, an Update on Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020/2021.

Councillors to discuss winter festival plans

Councillors will consider an alternative approach for delivering Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay this winter when they meet this week.

Last month initial discussions took place exploring potential revised plans for how both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay could be celebrated in 2020, held by the Council All Party Oversight Group.

The proposals have since been developed and the Update on Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020/2021 will be considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday (20 August).

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the Council, together with Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, have had to adapt plans to meet public health guidelines while still delivering events to celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay.

Plans being developed will put Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first as the City celebrates the festive season in new ways including dispersing the Christmas market from the city centre, a carefully managed torchlit event which will thank key workers during the pandemic and marking Hogmanay with visually spectacular moments across the city.

If approved by Councillors, there will be further meetings for both events to refine plans and a full launch will take place later in the year.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s clear that this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay have to change in light of Covid-19 restrictions. These are unprecedented conditions and any public health requirements and guidance will be met in every eventuality. The safety of the public remains our priority and no events or activities will go ahead unless it is deemed safe for them to do so.

“I feel positive that we’ve found a safe way to celebrate Christmas at the end of what has been a challenging and for many, a life-changing year. By adapting this year’s event we’ll be able to keep numbers lower in each location while also spreading people further out to help support local businesses.

“If events are able to go ahead, they will not only be safe but also reflect the comments and feedback from residents on how Christmas and Hogmanay looks and feels in Edinburgh – with a strong emphasis on local year-round business and moving away from using green space to use hardstanding locations.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Whilst Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay will look very different from recent years, I know the exciting plans being considered will continue to show Edinburgh as the best place to enjoy the Christmas festivities and welcome in our New Year celebrations.

“I would like to thank the teams involved for their work so far and if the approach is approved, we will continue to work together with Underbelly and partners to develop these further and hold some amazing events for all the family where we can celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay. Everyone involved recognises the uncertainty of the situation and we are all committed to meeting the significant requirements for anything Edinburgh hosts to meet appropriate public health guidance.”

Charlie Wood, Director of Underbelly, said: “We have enjoyed working collaboratively to ensure Edinburgh Council’s vision for the Winter Festivals can become a reality. Working together, our absolute priority is public safety and our aim for both events is to put Edinburgh first.

“Once agreed by the council, we are confident these will be events the city will be proud of, which will support the community and preserve the city’s global status as a destination for Christmas and Hogmanay. We are very excited about the events and look forward to sharing the programme once the Council has reached its decision.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Like all events, Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay is having to adapt to operating in a new norm. The City of Edinburgh Council and Underbelly are developing a programme that maintains the spirit and reputation Hogmanay and Christmas in the city while adhering to Scottish Government guidelines.

“Events are an important part of our communities as they not only bring us great entertainment, they also sustain livelihoods and bring social and economic change. We look forward to working with the City of Edinburgh Council and Underbelly to develop plans for this year’s event.”