Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay street party and fireworks display have been cancelled due to severe weather conditions, dealing a blow to local businesses and disappointing thousands of visitors.
The decision, made by event organisers UniqueAssembly, comes in response to Met Office yellow weather warnings for most of Scotland and an amber warning for northern Scotland.
Weather Warnings and Cancellations
The Met Office has issued multiple weather alerts across the UK, with Scotland bearing the brunt of the severe conditions:
- Yellow warnings for rain and snow are in place across most of Scotland until midnight on Wednesday
- An amber warning for rain is in effect for the Highlands, stretching from Inverness to Fort William, from midnight until 5 PM on Tuesday
- Forecasters predict rainfall amounts between 100mm and 140mm in certain areas of western Scotland, potentially causing localised flooding
The cancellations include:
- The Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens
- Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party
- Concert in the Gardens, headlined by Scottish band Texas
- Midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle
Impact on Local Businesses
The cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations is expected to have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Organisers have apologised to tourists who had traveled internationally for the events.
Some businesses may still benefit, as indoor events, including a sold-out concert by Idlewild and a service at St Giles Cathedral, are proceeding as planned.
City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher commented on the difficult decision: “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.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, supported the decision, stating: “Cancelling such an event is a difficult decision for the organisers, but public safety takes priority, so we fully support this decision.”
The organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay expressed their regret: “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. “
The cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events for 2024-2025 marks the first time in nearly two decades that the celebrations have been called off due to severe weather conditions.
The last time this occurred was in 2006, and prior to that, the celebrations were also cancelled in 2003 due to inclement weather.
