Decision on Winter Festivals 2020 expected in August
Initial discussions exploring potential revised plans for how both Edinburgh's Christmas and Hogmanay could be celebrated in 2020 are underway with the Council All Party Oversight Group.
Article Source: Edinburgh Council
First Published: 22 July 2020 11:14
Updated: 22 July 2020 11:14
A final decision on this year’s activities is expected in late August.
Representatives from all political parties met with senior officers and Winter Festivals’ producers, Underbelly, to discuss a range of proposals, which take account of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and associated health and safety considerations.
Following the positive informal discussions, the proposals will be developed further before being reported to the Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee in late August for a decision.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The Council is having positive discussions on how Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay could be celebrated this year. All involved recognise the uncertainty of the current situation and the significant requirements for anything Edinburgh hosts to meet public health guidance. It’s clear that if our 2020 Winter Festivals go ahead they will look very different from recent years, using different locations across the City. It is also important to think more creatively about how to better support our local businesses who have been impacted by the lockdown. Any events will need to give our residents a truly Edinburgh experience that helps discover more of our fantastic businesses that operate all year round. Work is underway with our partners to further investigate the feasibility of these new proposals and Councillors will agree the way forward in the coming weeks.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “We’re the proud hosts to what are well established and internationally renowned winter festivals and, in light of the ongoing global pandemic, we’re looking at alternative ways to mark them in a meaningful, workable and safe way. I feel positive that our Edinburgh will be able to celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay this year. However, the safety of residents and visitors remains paramount and we need some time to develop and check feasibility of proposals before a final plan can be brought forward for a final decision in August.”
Latest Edinburgh News
Jack Arts Scotland bring the ALT D Show to the streets
Jack Arts Scotland brings the ALT-D Show to the streets, showcasing works from 83 Edinburgh College of Art graduates.
Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh Tees Off Next Month
Scotland’s top alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf has announced the launch of their new pop-up venue in Edinburgh city centre.
North Edinburgh Arts secures Scottish Land Funds
As part of the ongoing regeneration programme around MacMillan Square, North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has secured £156,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.
A new stylish life by the sea
There’s no need to sacrifice standards when escaping the city, thanks to the new Chapter One Hair Spa at Haddington!
Edinburgh care home shortlisted for top national award
Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood is celebrating after making the shortlist at a national award ceremony.
BBC Debate Night calls for audience members in Edinburgh and the Lothian
BBC Debate Night is calling for audience members from Edinburgh and the Lothian to take part via Zoom on Wednesday 30th September.
Edinburgh Zoo chimps learn the ropes
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland shares adorable new photo of seven-month-old Western chimpanzee Masindi practising her climbing skills with the help of her older brother Velu.
Marathon Mum takes on biggest challenge yet, recovering from stroke
Now stroke survivor Carole Fortune is determined to give back to the charity that changed her life.
A Drive In Christmas Panto is coming to Glasgow and Edinburgh this winter!
Just when you thought your Christmas show had been cancelled, Horrible Histories comes to the rescue with their own unique take on the festive season!
The Epic Adventure of Bill and Ted continues at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Omni
One of the most legendary on-screen duos are reuniting after nearly 30 years for the third Bill and Ted film – Bill and Ted Face the Music, now showing at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Omni.
Rising Enquiries Prompts West Lothian Venue to Unveil New Wedding Packages
Macdonald Houstoun House has seen a 25% spike in enquiries after launching a series of flexible wedding packages created specially to help couples tie the knot following lockdown.
Search is on for the best home bakers in Scotland
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant in Edinburgh has launched it's second annual search for Scotland’s finest home baker in time for the return of hit TV show, The Great British Bake Off.
A great sense of humour is the secret to a long life according to Edinburgh resident
A resident at an Edinburgh care home celebrated her 100th birthday and revealed the secret to living a long life is ‘A great sense of humour’.
The hunt is on for Santa to work in Dobbies Edinburgh store this Christmas.
In partnership with Great Grottos, suitable candidates are being called on to fill Santa’s boots in Dobbies Edinburgh store this Christmas.
Vue Edinburgh Ocean provides more ways to switch off
Vue Edinburgh Ocean is boasting a slate of brand new content for cinema-lovers to enjoy this week.
Dobbies welcomes award winning butcher to Edinburgh store
The UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, today (11 September) welcomes award-winning butchers, Walter Smith Fine Foods, to the flagship Edinburgh store.
Dobbies launches Christmas events programme with social distancing and safety at forefront
With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.
Pupils resilience artwork on display across the county
Pupils from across Midlothian have submitted more than 150 pieces of art and written work about how they coped during COVID for a new exhibition.
West Lothian supports Great British Clean up
West Lothian Council is joining other organisations such as Keep Scotland Beautiful in supporting The Great British September Clean.
Grave Robbery Returns to Edinburgh
New grave-robbery themed ‘escape room’ set to bring a dark and intriguing period of Edinburgh’s history back to life.
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh and Glasgow say THANK YOU to frontline workers!
Hard Rock Cafes Edinburgh and Glasgow are delighted to announce an exclusive emergency services discount as a thank you to frontline workers across Scotland.
Harvey Nichols Offer Student Discount for Forth Floor Dining
Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh is delighted to welcome students back to university this September with 20% off dining on the Forth Floor.
Dates announced for GlasGLOW, returning to light up the city this October!
itison have announced that GlasGLOW will return to Glasgow's Botanic Gardens from the 29th October to the 8th November with early bird tickets on sale on the 16th September!
The Dog Ate My Homework
The Dog Ate My Homework, CBBC's BAFTA nominated comedy panel show, is back for a eighth series and they need you!
Scots crown Edinburgh Capital of Adventure
Scots crown Edinburgh ‘Capital of Adventure’, following a survey by The Scots Magazine, as it launches an interactive map to help people find the best big and wee adventures on their doorstep.
SBH Scotland are on the hunt for skydive heroes
Come fly with us in 2021! Join Team SBH Scotland for an exhilarating Charity Skydive at Errol Airfield, Perthshire.
Kids in Museums and Walkers Books announce an exciting half term activity for families!
Kids in Museums are delighted to announce that they are once again partnering with Walker Books on an exciting half term activity for families: Where's Wally? Spooky Museum Search!
Classics, blockbusters and more on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Ocean
THIS week, film-lovers of all tastes will have something to look forward to, as Vue Edinburgh Omni and Ocean continue to bring a number of blockbuster films back to the big screen.
The SAY Award Live at the Longlist line up announced
The SAY Award have today announced an outstanding line-up for this year’s Live at the Longlist event as Free Love, Kinnaris Quintet and Sacred Paws all take to the stage ahead of the 2020 reveal.
TeamEilidh takes to the streets in virtual event
Runners and walkers across Scotland will be taking to the streets this weekend (5 & 6 September) in a virtual event in support of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
Sponsored Links
