Edinburgh's Christmas Market and Hogmanay party back on with new organisers Unique Assembly

Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations are set to return with new organisers after the previous firm pulled out, the council has confirmed.

Experienced local event producers Unique Assembly will deliver both the festive celebrations on a one-year contract, which also offers room for a one-year extension.

It comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the market’s future when the original organisers, Angels Event Experience (AEE), announced they would be pulling out.

The company asked to be released from the contract when it became apparent that they were unable to deliver on the terms.

This year’s programme, which will preserve the core festive attractions for the city this year, includes the popular Christmas Market and funfair attractions in East and West Princes Street Gardens and on the Mound.

Visitors will also be treated with an ice rink and new lighting and projections on George Street, charity installation Festival of Kindness in St Andrew Square, and a selection of free festive events and shows for families at the Ross Bandstand.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of Edinburgh City Council’s Finance and Resources committee on Monday.

AEE’s limited involvement in the operation of the Christmas Market, as a subcontractor to Unique Assembly, will allow for celebrations to go ahead this year while ensuring the 70 stallholders and local businesses who had been expecting to trade can still do so.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to find a solution so quickly, ensuring Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas celebrations can go ahead this year.

“We will, of course, conduct a full review into why this happened but our absolute priority is to ensure that we provide high-quality festive celebrations for the city – and that these should be delivered in the spirit of the feedback received in our consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

“I’d like to give my thanks to Unique Assembly for reacting so quickly to our request and I’m sure we’ll enjoy many benefits by working closely with this experienced team of local event producers.

“There’s no questioning the popularity of our Winter Festivals or the benefits they bring to the capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole.”