Severe weather across Britain has forced Edinburgh’s annual Hogmanay street party to be cancelled.
Along with the rest of the UK, the city will be battered by heavy rain, high winds and snowfall come January, with weather warnings covering most of the country.
Hogmanay celebrations were set to start on Monday, but have had to be cancelled as a result of high winds and “extreme” weather, according to organisers.
An Edinburgh’s 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 (30th Dec) and the 31st December are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.”
Hogmanay celebrations last year
PA
As a result, authorities have decided not to proceed with tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on December 31, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle are also cancelled.
They added: “We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions.
“Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.”
With many travelling from all over the world to celebrate in the Scottish capital, they appreciated that this news would be “hugely disappointing” to those excited to celebrate Hogmanay.
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Ticketholders have been advised that more information regarding refunds will be provided in due course.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher, said: “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.”
Meagher added that there were plenty of indoor events that are still taking place in the capital, strongly advising visitors to stay updated with the latest weather and transport news online.
Fireworks celebrating Hogmanay in Edinburgh city centre last year
PA
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “Cancelling such an event is a difficult decision for the organisers, but public safety takes priority, so we fully support this decision.”
Sunday’s strong winds had already encouraged authorities to cancel the traditional Torchlight Procession, which is considered the “launch event” for the rest of the Scottish celebrations.
However, indoor events, such as concerts at the Assembly Rooms and at St Giles’ Cathedral, will go ahead as planned.
The much-loved Hogmanay celebrations are rarely cancelled, with the last cancellations as a result of poor weather conditions taking place in 2003 and 2006.
