Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival Torchlight Procession cancelled due to high winds
The much-anticipated Torchlight Procession at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival has been called off due to high winds just two hours before it was scheduled to begin. Organisers made the decision to cancel the traditional torchlight parade through the Old Town after safety tests on torches along the route raised concerns. Around 20,000 people were expected to participate in the procession from the Meadows to Castle Terrace, which marks the start of four days of Hogmanay celebrations in the city.
The Torchlight Procession has been a longstanding tradition at the Hogmanay festival for over 30 years, running from 7.30pm to 9pm. The cancellation comes as heavy rain and strong winds are forecasted in Edinburgh leading up to the official street party on Hogmanay. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds, heavy rain, and snow across the UK in the coming days.
In a statement, the organisers of the Hogmanay festival cited public safety as the primary reason for calling off the Torchlight Procession. They emphasized that the safety of all attendees is their top priority and that the decision was made after determining that the winds were too strong to proceed safely. Ticket-holders were advised to return their torches to event stewards at the Meadows and would receive further instructions from the box office.
Al Thomson, director of Unique Events and co-producer of the Hogmanay festival, mentioned that extensive safety tests were planned for the torches to be used during the event. He highlighted the unpredictability of weather conditions along the procession route and assured that safety measures would be continuously monitored to ensure a safe environment for participants.
Despite the disappointment caused by the cancellation, the organisers expressed their commitment to prioritising the safety of all involved. The cancellation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor events, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions. Participants are encouraged to stay updated on further announcements and to always prioritize safety in such circumstances.
Overall, the cancellation of the Torchlight Procession at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival underscores the importance of prioritising public safety in event planning and highlights the impact of weather conditions on outdoor festivities.