Omicron restrictions: Organisers 'incredibly sad' after covid cancellation of Edinburgh's Hogmanay party
Underbelly says ticket-holders will be contacted about refunds
Last updated 21st Dec 2021
The organiser of Edinburgh's large-scale Hogmanay celebrations says it is 'incredibly sad' after new Covid restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant banned large events in Scotland.
Underbelly had planned to host the world-famous street party in the capital again this month, with a reduced capacity of 30,000, after the pandemic led to the cancellation of events last year.
But the First Minister has announced new rules which limit the number of attendees allowed at outdoor events to 500 for three weeks from Boxing Day.
Nicola Sturgeon also told MSPs directly that this would mean the cancellation of the city's planned celebrations - which were set to cuminate in a headline set by Basement Jaxx at the Ross Bandstand.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: “We are incredibly sad to announce the cancellation of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme for 2021 following new restrictions announced by Scottish Government today.
"After such a tough year for so many people, we were looking forward to helping bring people back together safely at Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay celebrations.
“We know this news will be disappointing for so many people, but we also know that Edinburgh is a wonderfully innovative and resilient city, and we know it will recover from these difficult times and return to the forefront of the world’s new year celebrations in the future”.
Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Our first and foremost priority must always be to protect the health and wellbeing of the public, our staff and the city as a whole. I know it will be hugely disappointing for people, particularly young people who were planning to attend these events.
“Given the spread of this variant, reflected in the rising infection numbers, we need to avoid any additional burden on our health and emergency services. I’m grateful to the Scottish Government, Public Health, NHS and Police for their engagement with our teams to keep the City as safe as possible as we grapple with these challenges through the festive period.
“I would encourage everyone to continue following the guidance and to please celebrate Hogmanay safely and responsibly.”
Which Edinburgh Hogmanay events are cancelled - and will I get a refund?
Underbelly says its programme of Hogmanay events is off, including:
- The Scottish Music Programme at Greyfriars Kirk (Dec 29th-31st)
- The Torchlight Procession (Dec 30th)
- Party At The Bells (Dec 31st)
- The midnight fireworks display (Dec 31st)
- The South Queensferry Loony Dook (Jan 1st)
The company says its box office staff will contact all ticket holders in early January to 'arrange refund options'.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison, Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay policing operation, said: “As a result of the continued rise in Covid cases, linked to the Omicron Variant, the Torchlight Procession, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Party at the Bells, and the Loony Dook cancellations are an appropriate response in order to help stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.
“This decision was not taken by Police Scotland, but we fully support the actions taken by the event organisers and the local authority.
“We would ask that those who had been planning to attend these events do not make their way to the city centre and instead celebrate the New Year in line with the existing guidelines.”