In an announcement this morning Virgin Money has confirmed that it will pay for the fireworks concert to close the Edinburgh International Festival for a further three years.
The Edinburgh International Festival, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Virgin Money have annoucned that the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert will bring Edinburgh’s summer festival season to a spectacular close on Monday 31 August 2015.
One of the largest fireworks events of its kind in the world, the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert will start at 9.30pm on Monday 31 August 2015. The three partners, Edinburgh International Festival, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Virgin Money, say they are delighted to offer a celebration in which the whole city and its residents can share and which gives everyone more to enjoy on the final day of the summer festivals.
Virgin Money has confirmed its support for a further three years, until 2017, and will continue to work with the International Festival and Scottish Chamber Orchestra to develop the event for the city and its citizens.
Conductor Garry Walker has been confirmed for this year’s concert, tickets for which will go on sale with the 2015 Edinburgh International Festival programme on 28 March.
Fergus Linehan, Director of the International Festival said: ‘It’s great that the International Festival can present an event on the scale of the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert to bring all our summer festivals to a big finale and offer everyone in the city a spectacular night out.
‘I’d like to thank Virgin Money for committing the support for a further three years of fireworks concerts and look forward to developing the event with them and our event partners the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
‘I’d also like to thank all the people we’ve consulted with over the last few months, particularly the City of Edinburgh Council whose support in transforming the city centre is so crucial, for working through the details with us and I’m really looking forward to a fantastic Festival finale in 2015.’
Roy McEwan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra said: ‘I am very proud that the Scottish Chamber Orchestra has produced this excellent event for over 30 years, bringing classical music to many people across Edinburgh and beyond, through our broadcast partner Forth One.
‘Fireworks artists Pyrovision will once again create the awe-inspiring fireworks. Their display gets more impressive year on year, and we are eager to see what breath-taking delights they come up with this year.
‘I am delighted that Virgin Money will continue to support this event for a further three years’.
Andrew Nicholson, Head of Sponsorship marketing for Virgin Money said: ‘Virgin Money is extremely proud to continue as headline sponsors of the Edinburgh Fireworks Concert and reaffirm our commitment to the city and people of Edinburgh. The Fireworks continue to wow audiences and leave a lasting impact upon those who witness the annual pyrotechnic extravaganza and the wonderful performances from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The Fireworks Concert is an established and fitting conclusion to the Edinburgh Festival.’
Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: ‘Every year the August festivals in Edinburgh go out with a bang with a fantastic display of fireworks and superb music. Support and funding of the festivals from the private sector is hugely welcomed, and this secured sponsorship for the next three years is good news for the Edinburgh International Festival and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The concert always draws huge crowds, with residents who don’t secure a ticket still enjoying great views from key vantage points across Edinburgh.’
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