The organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, UniqueAssembly, have taken the decision to cancel all outdoor events today and tomorrow – but any indoor events will proceed as planned.
An Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight 30 December and 31 December are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.
“The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.
“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay. Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.
“All indoor events are taking place as planned throughout the festival, including tonight’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the 31st December, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral. We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “I know that, like me, many people will be very disappointed. This decision was not taken lightly, however with the ongoing adverse weather condition, public safety must be our number one priority.
“You’ll see from the programme that there are lots of exciting indoor events taking place. For those coming along to them – I know you’re in for a treat and will have a great time. Please make sure you stay up-to-date with the weather and transport on social media.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “Cancelling such an event is a difficult decision for the organisers, but public safety takes priority, so we fully support this decision.”
INDOOR EVENTS – check the website for any tickets…
30 December – A special Night Afore Concert of ferocious live music from indie-rock legends Idlewild, plus special guest Jill Lorean.
Formed in Edinburgh in 1995, Idlewild have endured four-decades, producing nine acclaimed albums with their ambitious and painstakingly crafted alt-rock, that was always faster and more dissonant than their indie-rock contemporaries. Don’t miss this chance to see them in an intimate venue setting.
The band’s line-up consists of Roddy Woomble (lead vocals), Rod Jones (guitar, backing vocals), Colin Newton (drums), Andrew Mitchell (bass), and Luciano Rossi (keyboards).
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/idlewild-plus-special-guests
Until 4 January – Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice. This unique pop-up bar experience has to be kept at a chilly -8°C, but we’ll make sure you’ll be cosy the whole time with jackets and gloves provided to you on arrival.
Inside the Polar Ice Bar, you’ll enjoy delicious festive alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails, served in an individual pre- carved ice glass, with your first drink included in your entry ticket.
Take in the beautiful, engraved ice walls and sculptures featuring winter forests and wildlife, providing the perfect insta- moment for you and your friends at this truly unique space.
Make sure you wrap up warm as the Polar Ice Bar is kept very cold with the temperature set at -8°C
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/the-polar-ice-bar
Until 4 January – Swamplesque
After taking Australia by storm and smashing box office records at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, everyone’s favourite ogre-inspired burlesque and drag parody is coming to Edinburgh to celebrate Christmas! Swamplesque is the award-winning, critically acclaimed, burlesque parody show from Far Far Away! This ‘outrageously fun’ (The Advertiser, Adelaide) show offers its audience a smorgasbord of performance styles.
Prepare for a night filled with belly laughs, festive surprises, and a touch of the risqué that’s sure to put you on the nice list! Don’t be green with envy. Gather your friends and grab your tickets now for this fabulously naughty night out! Whether you’re a seasoned burlesque fan or new to the scene, Swamplesque promises to leave you enchanted, entertained, and begging for more, like a kid on Christmas morning!
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/swamplesque
31 December 2024
A special Bairn’s New Year Revels allows young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations with a huge family ceilidh, live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun for all!
Don’t worry if you don’t know the moves, it’s a relaxed ‘have-a-go’ environment, where everyone can join in the fun.
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/bairns-new-year-revels
31 December 2024
A festive and tranquil celebration seeing in the New Year in the candlelit atmosphere of St Giles’ Cathedral at the end of its 900th year anniversary.
This year’s concert marks the festive season with the concluding three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio: Bach at his most exuberant.
St Giles’ Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St Giles’ Camerata, leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a stunning array of talented young soloists.
Everyone at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay extend our heartfelt thanks to Master of Music Michael Harris, and best wishes for his retirement from St. Giles’ from 31stDecember.
J.S.Bach Christmas Oratorio Parts 4,5 & 6
Carine Tinney – Soprano
Judy Brown – Mezzo-Soprano
Joseph Doody – Tenor
Jerome Knox – Bass
St Giles’ Camerata
St Giles’ Cathedral Choir
Michael Harris – Master of the Music
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/candlelit-concert-at-st-giles-cathedral
31 December 2024 – Maximum Ceilidh Edition at Assembly Rooms
The New Year’s Revels returns to the famous Assembly Rooms, with a MAXIMUM CEILIDH EDITION!
With more live ceilidh bands than ever before across two dancefloors, the New Year Revels will send you birlin’ through the bells into 2025, with a delicious feast of live ceilidh music featuring the incredible Jimi Shandrix Experience, Bella McNab’s Dance Band, Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut and Bodhran Bodhran!
Premium Ticket Holders can enjoy exclusive access to the Grand Drawing Rooms for a welcome glass of fizz and a Midnight Moment Dram to toast the bells. Along with comfortable seating areas to catch-your-breath between dances and engage in select Whisky Tasting Sessions. New Year Revels hosts will ensure a memorable evening.
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/new-year-revels-maximum-ceilidh-edition
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