EDINBURGH’s famous New Year’s Eve street party has been axed amid storm chaos.
The annual festivities to bring in the new year have been axed over bad weather.
High winds of between 50-70mph are set to batter the capital tomorrow as a weather warning was issued.
Organisers have announced they are cancelling all events over public safety fears.
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 and December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.”
On Sunday, organisers had told of their hopes to keep the party alive.
Festival director Al Thomson said: “The weather is looking more favourable on Hogmanay itself but the challenge for us is getting everything ready for the event.
“We are going to work tirelessly FOG for the next 48 hours to get everything in place.
“It is going to be a challenge but we are confident we will make it and that everyone will have a great time on the night.”
“The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“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.
“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.
“Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.
“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 31st December, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral.
“We also continue to look forward to the 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.”
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.”
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