(Image: Supplied)
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations have secured a new title sponsor, with UK software management company Halo backing this year’s festive programme.
The sponsorship will support a line-up of events across the city, including a new Kick Off Concert, free family-friendly activities and the return of the Community Tickets initiative.
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay. (Image: Supplied)
The Edinburgh’s Christmas Kick Off Concert will take place at the Ross Bandstand on Saturday, November 14, featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and special guests.
A programme of free events will run across five weekends, with highlights including Edinburgh Diwali on November 15, Light Night on November 22 and St Andrew’s Day celebrations on November 28 and 29.
The Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws event will take place on December 6, while other attractions include Edinburgh Sings!, a festive sing-along with choirs on December 5, and the Silent Disco Christmas Cracker on December 12.
The Community Tickets initiative will give groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians the chance to apply for free tickets to attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, the Family Ice Experience with Icelandair and the Around the World Star Flyer.
The scheme aims to help charities and community-funded outreach groups share in the festivities, while recognising organisations that support local residents throughout the year.
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay. (Image: Supplied)
Halo, which serves clients in more than 75 countries, said the partnership reflected its commitment to supporting events that bring people together.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is a major contributor to Scotland’s winter tourism economy. Last year’s seven-week programme attracted more than 2.8 million visitors to the city centre and generated over £150 million in economic benefit.
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A spokesperson for Unique Assembly said: "We’re delighted to announce the return of our Community Tickets initiative, this year supported by our new headline partner Halo.
"We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host us, and to give out festive treats to those who need it most."
Jane Meagher, council leader, said: "It’s fantastic to see another event being added to an already packed festive programme, giving people even more to look forward to as the festive season gets underway.
"With tickets being made available to local communities and charities, I’m delighted that more residents will be able to experience the magic and atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
"It’s also a lovely way to recognise and thank the organisations that make such a positive difference to people’s lives throughout the year.
"I’d encourage community groups and charities to put forward an application and take advantage of this opportunity."
A spokesperson for Halo said: "Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay is one of the great winter celebrations in the world, and we’re proud to be part of it.
"We believe in supporting the moments that bring people together, and there are few bigger than Hogmanay in Edinburgh, welcoming locals and visitors from every corner of the globe."