Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party organisers have ruled out replacing its iconic fireworks display with drones for next year’s event.
The decision comes after the outdoor celebration was cancelled due to severe weather, affecting 45,000 attendees – many tourists from around the world – who had to make alternative plans to ring in the New Year.
The street party has now been disrupted by bad weather three times since 2003, prompting calls from business leaders for a “Plan B” to minimise disappointment during future winters.
Suggestions on social media included using drone displays, which have become popular in events such as China’s New Year celebrations and the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
However, a spokeswoman for Unique Assembly, which organises the festival on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, dismissed the idea. She stated that drones were not a feasible alternative due to high costs and logistical challenges in the city centre.
“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay fireworks display is among the best in the world, comparable to those in Sydney, Rio, London, New York, and Beijing,” the spokeswoman said. “While we review new technologies such as drones annually, they are currently not viable for this event due to cost and logistical challenges in the city centre.”
The Hogmanay festival, estimated to contribute around £50 million to Edinburgh’s economy, attracts visitors from across the globe. Despite its cancellation this year, organisers plan to use the unused fireworks in next year’s display. Insurance claims are being processed to cover the costs of the cancellation.
Hogmanay celebrations this year were cancelled due to ‘safety reasons’ with organisers saying high winds and more predicted “inclement” weather had forced them to scrap all outdoor events for New Year.
“There are safety limitations to working and building infrastructure in adverse weather conditions that must be adhered to, including legal and moral obligations for the wellbeing of staff and contractors,” Unique Assembly explained.
Critics, including Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, expressed disappointment over the cancellation, particularly after organisers urged people to avoid travelling to the city centre for New Year’s celebrations. Some raised concerns about the increasing commercialisation of the festival.
The Hogmanay festival receives significant funding, including £810,000 from City of Edinburgh Council, £225,000 from the Scottish Government, and contributions from Edinburgh’s Christmas market revenues. Alongside the street party and fireworks, the festival also features indoor events such as concerts, club nights, and a traditional ceilidh.
While Unique Assembly acknowledged the frustration caused by the cancellation, they reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a world-class event in 2025, using lessons learned from this year’s challenges to enhance the experience for future attendees.
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