Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Fireworks Canceled Due to Bad Weather
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations face cancellation as bad weather disrupts outdoor events, ensuring public safety remains a priority.
Edinburgh, Scotland, Hogmanay, Fireworks, Weather, Public Safety
Edinburgh: So, the big Hogmanay street party and fireworks show got the axe because of some seriously bad weather. The folks at UniqueAssembly, who run the event, had to make the tough call after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for most of Scotland, plus an amber warning for the north.
They really felt for the tourists who came from all over the globe to join in the fun. The concert in the gardens was supposed to feature the Scottish band Texas, but with the weather being so rough, they just couldn’t safely set things up outside.
But don’t worry! Some indoor events are still on, like a sold-out concert by Idlewild and a special service at St Giles Cathedral on New Year’s Eve. Those will definitely go ahead.
Police Scotland backed the decision, saying it was all about keeping everyone safe. Just the day before, they had to cancel a torchlit procession because of high winds, so it was clear that safety was the main concern.
A spokesperson for the event said they had to cancel all outdoor activities scheduled for December 31, including the big street party and the fireworks from Edinburgh Castle. They mentioned that it was a real bummer for everyone hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in the city.
They promised that ticket holders would get more info about refunds soon. On the bright side, all the indoor events are still happening, including a performance called Swamplesque and the sold-out Idlewild concert.
There’s also a bunch of fun indoor gigs planned for New Year’s Day, so there’s still plenty to look forward to. City Council leader Jane Meagher expressed her disappointment but emphasized that safety had to come first.
She reassured everyone that the indoor events would be a blast and encouraged folks to keep an eye on the weather and transport updates on social media.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson from Police Scotland said it’s never easy to cancel such a big event, but safety is the top priority, and they fully support the decision.
First Minister John Swinney is set to meet with officials to discuss the ongoing weather situation, as more rain is expected, which could lead to travel issues and flooding. So, if you’re heading out for New Year’s, make sure to plan ahead!