Edinburgh's 2020 Summer Sessions concerts moved to next year - and calls for change of venue rejected

Bid to move events from Princes Street Gardens thrown out

Sir Tom Jones is one of the performers now rescheduled for August 2021

THIS year’s programme of outdoor concerts planned for Princes Street Gardens is to be moved to next year - and calls to look at a change of venue have been thrown out.

Sir Tom Jones, Lionel Richie, Travis and Simple Minds were among those due to appear in the third year of Summer Sessions in August.

But with the coronavirus ban on large social gatherings expected to be in place for some time, the concerts are being rescheduled for August 2021.

Two years ago, a row erupted over the first series of Summer Sessions after boards were put up to block the view from Princes Street, sparking protests that famous views of the Castle were being obscured at the height of the tourist season. There were also complaints that a public park was being used for private profit.

Green councillors called at yesterday’s meeting of the council’s policy and sustainability committee for alternative venues to be explored.Green councillor Alex Staniforth said he wanted to ensure live music events would still happen in the city after the Covid crisis, but he also wanted the public to be kept as public as possible.

“By 202 lockdown may be over but people may still be concerned about the virus and may still prefer to meet outdoors - and such a central outdoor space might be ideal. I think it is reasonable to consider other possible options for this.”

Council leader Adam McVey said the barriers blocking the view were to stop people gathering in the roadway.

And culture convener Donald Wilson said the success of what were extremely popular events was down in part to the venue.

But Tory group leader Iain Whyte backed the Greens’ call for other locations to be considered. He said the new barriers now used in place of the original boards they were still ugly and inappropriate for a world heritage site. “And if they’re there for public safety that shows this location isn’t the best one,” he said.