Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to ‘safety reasons’ with extreme weather forecast to hit Scotland over the next couple of days.
Orgainsers Unique Assemembly said high winds and more predicted “inclement” weather had forced them to scrap all outdoor events for New Year, which includes a concert at Princes Gardens with headliners Texas as well as the world-famous Hogmanay Street Party.
It comes as the Met Office issued an amber weather warning on Monday as Scotland braces for severe weather over the New Year Period. Forecasters are warning of stong winds as well as heavy rain fromnMonday into Tuesday.
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGORR) has also activated in response to the weather warning with the First Minister due to chair a meeting of SGORR this evening to review our preparedness for the challenging weather ahead.
The Torchlight Procession as part of the Hogmanay events also had to be cancelled last night due to high winds.
Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said the decision to cancell the events was “not taken lightly”.
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 (30th Dec) and the 31st 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.”
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.”
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