EDINBURGH has cancelled its annual Christmas festival amid concerns the huge crowds it attracts will exacerbate the spread of coronavirus.

The city council and event producer Underbelly made the announcement earlier today.

In 2019 an estimated 2.6 million people attended the capital’s Christmas market and fair, with as many as 522,000 attending in the first nine days.

Now, “any sort of event which could attract a gathering or crowd” has been banned in the city centre.

Edinburgh council leader Adam McVey stressed that “Christmas isn’t cancelled”, as the focus will instead be on digital celebrations.

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McVey said: “As we’ve continued to adapt to the changing circumstances presented by the pandemic, we’ve continued to work with our partners to develop potential plans for events, which could meet public health guidance, to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory.

“However, as we’ve maintained throughout, our utmost responsibility is to keep our residents safe. Following the latest restrictions and through the development of plans, it became apparent that activities for Christmas were not going to be possible.

“Christmas is a special time in our city and hugely exciting for individuals and families who take advantage of the City’s winter offer.

Rest assured the city of Edinburgh will celebrate Christmas

“Whilst we understand the absence of popular events will bring some disappointment, we want to be clear that Edinburgh’s Christmas isn’t cancelled and our businesses right across the City will be offering their usual festive cheer for us to take advantage of.

“We look forward to announcing details of an innovative digital 2020 programme soon to help in these celebrations.”

The council’s deputy leader, Cammy Day, added: “Whilst Christmas 2020 will take a different shape this year, rest assured the city of Edinburgh will celebrate Christmas.”

In August, Councillors unanimously agreed proposals to adapt this year's festivals to prioritise Edinburgh's residents and businesses whilst also recognising the uncertainty of running live events during a pandemic.

All parties committed to continue with developing plans in order to meet the significant changes required to follow appropriate public health guidance.

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Charlie Wood, director of Underbelly, said: "We very much wanted to bring some festive cheer and light to Edinburgh this Christmas and to support local makers and producers, at the end of what has been a challenging year for everyone.

"Public health is our absolute number one priority, and with the ongoing uncertainty concerning Covid-19 and the possibility of further restrictions, we have taken the collective and very sad decision with the council, NHS Lothian and Scottish Government not to proceed with this year's Edinburgh's Christmas sites in the city centre.

"There will be no public events which might encourage gatherings of people at either Edinburgh's Christmas or Edinburgh's Hogmanay."