Mystery of 'street party' closure of Edinburgh city centre streets revealed as council confirms plans for parade
Confused locals took to social media to ask why an early morning road closure was being introduced this Friday (September 18)
A number of roads in Edinburgh’s Old Town are set to be closed to traffic this Friday, with locals spotting mysterious ‘street party’ notice signs along the Royal Mile.
Locals were informed by City of Edinburgh Council that streets such Johnston Terrace, Royal Mile and Horse Wynd would be closed from 9am until 11.30am on Friday, September 18, with some additional restrictions on affected streets from as early as 6am.
One confused person asked: “Does anyone know what the “Street Party” is on Friday 18th that’s causing no parking in the old town from 6am-11:30am. Seems an odd time for that, so wondering if it’s some kind of procession or protest?”
The road closures were shrouded in mystery after some people took to social media to ask why a event labeled only as a “street party” on public notices was taking place on Friday morning.
It has now been confirmed by the council that the event is a parade held by the sailors from the HMS Queen Elizabeth, who are exercising their Freedom of the City privilege to do so.
As part of the event, those taking part will parade from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the City Chambers accompanied by members of the Royal Marines Band Scotland, with the march beginning just before 10am.
After arrival at the City Chambers, crew will be met for inspection by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who will also make a speech. The event will also feature an F-35 aircraft flyover to mark the occasion.
As previously mentioned, a number of road closures will be in place during and before the procession. The road closures are as followed:
- Horse Wynd - closed 9am until 10.15am
- Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket east of George IV Bridge, St Giles' Street and Parliament Square - closed 9.15am until 11am
- Lawnmarket west of George IV Bridge, Castlehill and Johnston Terrace - closed 10am until 11.30am
Lothian Buses has also confirmed that its service 35 will be affected during the road restrictions.
The Service 35 to Ocean Terminal will be diverted between South Bridge and Easter Road via North Bridge, Waterloo Place and Regent Road heading northbound. The route in the opposite direction towards Heriot Watt will be diverted between Easter Road and South Bridge via London Road, Leith Street and North Bridge southbound only.