‘It’s too expensive anyway’: Readers react to Edinburgh’s Christmas festival being cancelled

As the Evening News revealed, Edinburgh's Christmas festival won't be going ahead in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Earlier today, City of Edinburgh Council and event producers Underbelly said the decision to cancel the event followed the “latest advice” from public health experts.

Any event which could attract a gathering or large crowd – including market stalls and fairground rides – has been cancelled.

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The move will be a huge blow to city centre retailers and other businesses.

Edinburgh's Christmas Festival will not be going ahead in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis.Edinburgh's Christmas Festival will not be going ahead in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis.
Edinburgh's Christmas Festival will not be going ahead in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis.
Read More
Edinburgh's Christmas festival cancelled over crowd safety fears

More than 2.6 million people flocked to the main site in East Princes Street Gardens last year and the festivities are said to have generated more than £110m for the economy in recent years.

As you might expect, the news the plug has been pulled on the Christmas festival provoked a strong reaction from readers across Edinburgh.

John Andrew Campbell wrote: “That's a pity as always brings a bit of fun for those who go and enjoy it. Hopefully all back to normal next year.”

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Pamela Tracey said: “Great. Everything was far too expensive anyway. A working class family would have to save for months to go there. It was all about money - not entertainment for the kids.”

Catherine Sutherland opined: “A traditional, less commercial Christmas ahead. No bad thing."

Ben Bilgili commented: "We knew it would happen but still a shame.”

Scott McIntosh joked: “Nightmare, I was planning on remortgaging and going out for a mulled wine and ice skate."

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Janet Bremner wrote: “Edinburgh has always been magical – and it still will be.”

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