The City of Edinburgh Council  and organisers Underbelly have announced that the Edinburgh Christmas Festival has been cancelled this year and will instead be an online event.

The council says that following the recent national restrictions, and taking into consideration the likely additional strain on services over winter, it has been agreed that any sort of event which could attract a gathering or crowd will be avoided. This includes market stalls, rides and all other attractions.

Further details of the revised plans for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay will be announced in due course.

Adam McVey, council leader, City of Edinburgh Council, says: “As we’ve continued to adapt to the changing circumstances presented by the pandemic, we’ve continued to work with our partners to develop potential plans for events, which could meet public health guidance, to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory.

“However, as we’ve maintained throughout, our utmost responsibility is to keep our residents safe. Following the latest restrictions and through the development of plans, it became apparent that activities for Christmas were not going to be possible.

“Christmas is a special time in our city and hugely exciting for individuals and families who take advantage of the City’s winter offer. Whilst we understand the absence of popular events will bring some disappointment, we want to be clear that Edinburgh’s Christmas isn’t cancelled and our businesses right across the City will be offering their usual festive cheer for us to take advantage of. We look forward to announcing details of an innovative digital 2020 programme soon to help in these celebrations.”

www.edinburghschristmas.com/blog/edinburghs-christmas-goes-digital