Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations called off due to severe weather

Due to warning of “extreme weather” major Edinburgh Hogmanay events, including the fireworks launch and street party, have been cancelled.

Yellow weather warnings for wind, rain and snow were issued across the Central Belt on Monday, forcing many events to be cancelled.

Strong winds had already forced the Torchlight Procession scheduled for Sunday evening to be cancelled.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the organiser for many of the events in the city, assured the public that indoor events are still taking place, these include the sold out Idlewild Concert at the Assembly Rooms and candlelit concert at St Giles’ Cathedral.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh has gained the city a reputation as one of the perfect places to celebrate with over three million people enjoying the fireworks and street Party over the last 24 years, with the event also being broadcast live across the world on the BBC.

Since it’s beginning over 120 bands have performed for the event, with highlights including Kasabian, Paolo Nutini and the Pet Shop Boys. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a vital part of the cities tourism calendar and is worth more than £41 million to the Scottish economy according to Unique events. This year over 150,000-200,000 people were expected to attend the cancelled events.

This is not the first time Edinburgh Hogmanay has been cancelled due to weather with cancellations in both 2003 and 2006.

Weather warnings have been issued across Scotland, with the Central belt (which includes Edinburgh and Glasgow) being under a yellow warning while an amber warning covers much of the Highlands.

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Concerns over Public safety in the coming days has also led to Transport for Scotland warning of the restriction of the use of some bridges over the next 24 hours and Justice Secretary Angela Constance calling a meeting of the Scottish government’s resilience room.

Unique Assembly, who organise the Hogmanay event on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “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.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher has also commented: “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.”

Unique Assembly said: “Ticketholders will be contacted with instructions on how to claim a refund.”