Crowds have chosen to stay home rather than brave the wild weather in the capital tonight after all outdoor Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled.
Images taken on Princes Street – which is usually closed off and the venue for the world famous street party – during the evening of December 31 show the miserable weather taking it’s toll as the wet pavements are deserted with barely anyone around.
Organisers took the tough decision to cancel all outdoor events on December 30 and 31 including the torch light procesion and street party after weather warnings for high winds and rain were put in place.
The midnight fireworks display that brings in the new year have also been cancelled due to the hosts being unable to set up safely in the wild conditions.
Assembly, behind Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, put out a public safety announcement urging the public not to come into the city centre unless they are “attending an event or venue.”
An Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson previously 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.”
They added: “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 added: “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.”
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