Edinburgh's Christmas: Digital festival plans revealed

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas have revealed their digital programme, following the cancellation of the festival last month.

It will celebrate the city’s creative community and local businesses in the form of virtual bedtime stories and an online neighbourhood market.

Santa Claus will keep the Christmas spirit alive and read a free, festive story every evening before bedtime on Edinburgh Christmas’ website, from December 1 to 24, providing families with a daily dose of comfort.

Budding writers of all ages from Edinburgh and the Lothians are being asked to send in a story filled with festivity and fun, with a winner chosen from the entries.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhood market will showcase artisan producers, local retailers, bakers, gift companies, hotels, restaurants and other businesses who sign up.

It will put the focus on supporting independent businesses, who can sign up now, and will open to customers on November 19.

The market is free to register and will direct people to a range of local suppliers where they can purchase and interact on the supplier’s own site.

Ruth Fisher, producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas for Underbelly said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is a hugely important event for the city and this year’s digital programme has been designed to put Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first.

“The new Christmas Neighbourhood Market is designed to shine a spotlight on the wealth of products and produce that we have here in Edinburgh and encourage residents to shop locally this Christmas.

“As a key worker, Santa is very much at the heart of our plans. We look forward to reading the story submissions and working with Santa and his elves to produce a great series of Advent Stories.

“In what has been an unprecedented year for Edinburgh, we hope that the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme brings some cheer and enjoyment to everyone this festive season.”

Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and, as Edinburgh’s Christmas goes digital this year, our residents and local businesses will be at the heart of it all.”

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