Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations, including the iconic street parties, fireworks displays, and outdoor concerts, have been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions predicted in the coming days. Organisers cited public safety as the top priority after the Met Office issued multiple weather warnings, including amber alerts for heavy rain and strong winds across Scotland.
Table of Contents
- Events Affected by the Decision
- Safety Concerns Drive Cancellation
- Weather Forecast and Impacts
- Disappointment Among Visitors
- Historical Context
- A Nationwide Impact
- Looking Ahead
Events Affected by the Decision
All outdoor events scheduled for Monday and Tuesday nights, including the fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle, the concert in Princes Street Gardens headlined by Texas, and the street party along Princes Street, have been called off. The traditional Torchlight Procession, which typically marks the start of Hogmanay, was also cancelled on Sunday due to high winds.
However, indoor events, such as the candlelit concert at St Giles’ Cathedral and the concert headlined by Idlewild, will proceed as planned. New Year’s Day events are still expected to go ahead.
Safety Concerns Drive Cancellation
Unique Assembly, the organisation managing the festival on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, stated that ongoing adverse weather made it unsafe to continue preparations for the outdoor festivities. “This is a decision nobody takes lightly,” said Al Thomson, director of Unique Assembly. “But in light of the severe weather forecast, it was necessary to keep everyone safe.”
City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher echoed the sentiment, noting that while the cancellations were “hugely disappointing,” public safety must come first.
Weather Forecast and Impacts
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain across Scotland, with gusts of up to 70mph expected in some areas. An amber warning for rain is in place for parts of the Highlands and Moray, with rainfall of up to 140mm anticipated, raising concerns of flooding and travel disruptions.
Transport delays have already been reported, including reduced train speeds between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed and closures on the Highland Main Line due to high water levels. Ferries and other transport services are also experiencing disruptions, and restrictions on some bridges may be implemented.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has warned of “extensive river and surface water flooding” in areas such as Speyside, the Great Glen, and Tayside.
Disappointment Among Visitors
The cancellations have left many visitors disheartened, particularly those who travelled long distances to experience the renowned Hogmanay celebrations. Amber Newton, who journeyed with her family from Atlanta, USA, described her devastation on BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme. “This is the New Year’s Eve festival of the world. We saved for this for years, only to have it all cancelled,” she said.
Historical Context
This is not the first time Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has faced disruption due to adverse weather. Similar cancellations occurred in 2003 and 2006, also on safety grounds.
A Nationwide Impact
The severe weather is affecting other parts of the UK as well. Blackpool Council has cancelled its New Year’s Eve fireworks display, and yellow weather warnings extend to northern England, Wales, and parts of southern England. Gusts of up to 75mph are forecast in some coastal areas.
While London’s fireworks display is still set to proceed, organisers and authorities remain on high alert for potential disruptions.
Looking Ahead
After New Year’s Day, forecasters predict colder conditions with widespread frost expected on Thursday night. Despite the disappointment, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers have encouraged revellers to attend indoor events and remain updated on weather and transport conditions.
Ch Supt David Robertson of Police Scotland reinforced the importance of prioritising safety, stating: “Cancelling such an event was a difficult decision, but it was the right one to ensure public safety.”
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