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Could Edinburgh say NO to Christmas celebrations?!

Those living in Edinburgh are being asked to vote on whether Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations should go ahead this year.

Could a huge change be in sight?…

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2019 - Digital Triangle Creative LTD
Image credit: Edinburgh Christmas Market 2019 – Digital Triangle Creative LTD

Launching today, The City of Edinburgh Council is asking the public for their views on its iconic festivities and if they should be cancelled!

The poll which will run for 12 weeks, will as member of the public and businesses if they want to see street parties or other “mass gatherings”, live music events or firework displays staged as part of any future Hogmanay celebrations, plus, they’ll also have the chance to say if funfair rides and food and drink stalls should be part of the city’s Christmas celebrations IF they return.

We know last year’s UK Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled or done very differently due to the pandemic, so could this poll just be the start of other cities asking the same questions?

Edinburgh's Christmas 2019 - Credit Ian Georgeson
Image credit: Edinburgh’s Christmas 2019 – Ian Georgeson

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We want to hear from the people of Edinburgh both on how our Winter Festivals should be delivered and indeed what should be delivered. Their feedback to our consultation will shape the future direction of our celebrations from 2022 onwards, when the current arrangements come to an end. This is a good time to take stock and look at what people think and what people want.

Our Winter Festivals have grown in size and renown both at home and throughout the world. Their cultural and economic importance is well documented and through this consultation we will establish a balanced knowledge of how Edinburgh citizens regard these celebrations, both positive and negative. It is therefore important that as many people as possible make their views heard and I would urge everyone, whatever their views, to spend the small amount of time needed to complete the survey and have their say.”

Could the people of Edinburgh say a big fat NO to festive celebrations, will it be due to mass gatherings or because it’s just too expensive?, one thing we know, we’ll be sure to keep an eye our for the results.

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