Hogmanay Festival Canceled in Scotland

Edinburgh’s outdoor Hogmanay celebrations have been canceled due to extreme weather conditions, with high winds and inclement weather making outdoor events unsafe for attendees. A spokesperson for the festival announced the cancellation of all outdoor activities scheduled for December 30th and 31st, including the popular Night Afore Disco Party, the Hogmanay Street Party, the Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle. Why It Matters The cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events is a major blow to the city’s residents and visitors, disrupting one of the world’s most iconic New Year celebrations which attracts visitors from around the globe. What to Know The cancellation follows a yellow weather warning for wind issued by the U.K’s Met Office, which will be in effect across the city from 7 a.m. on December 31 until 11 p.m. Organizers were unable to continue with preparations for the event’s outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Fearing public safety would be compromised, event partners agreed to cancel all outdoor events. Affected ticket holders will be contacted directly with instructions regarding refunds. 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 December 31, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral, organizers said. A “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—were also due to go ahead. Fireworks on Calton Hill in Edinburgh mark the start of the New Year celebrations on December 29, 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fireworks on Calton Hill in Edinburgh mark the start of the New Year celebrations on December 29, 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images What People Are Saying An Edinburgh Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight and December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety. 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.” A man in costume is silhouetted Edinburgh’s traditional four-day Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland. Outdoor Hogmanay celebrations have been canceled due to extreme weather conditions, with high winds and inclement weather making outdoor events unsafe. A man in costume is silhouetted Edinburgh’s traditional four-day Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland. Outdoor Hogmanay celebrations have been canceled due to extreme weather conditions, with high winds and inclement weather making outdoor events unsafe. Peter Sandground/Unique Events via Getty Images City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said in a statement: “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.” Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “Cancelling such an event is a difficult decision for the organizers, but public safety takes priority, so we fully support this decision.” What Happens Next All indoor events scheduled for the celebrations will go ahead as planned.