Gutted Brazilian couple travel 6,000 miles to Edinburgh for cancelled Hogmanay

A couple from Brazil say they feek ‘frustrated’ and ‘disappointed’ after travelling over 6,000 miles to Edinburgh for cancelled Hogmanay events.

Henrique and his wife are from São Paulo and are travelling in the UK for a few weeks.

They were drawn to Edinburgh specifically for the capital’s world-renowed New Year’s celebration but were upset when many attractions and events were cancelled.

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Due to severe weather warnings, the city has pulled the plug on many Hogmanay attractions, including the fireworks and the concert in Princes Street Gardens.

Henrique told Edinburgh Live: “ We’re feeling quite frustrated with the cancellation, especially since it’s such a rare occurrence and the event came so highly recommended.

“On top of that, the speculation about reasons beyond the weather for the cancellation only adds to our disappointment.”

“Several friends who had spent New Year’s here described it as one of the best experiences of their lives.

“We had high expectations, and the cancellation of both the New Year’s celebration and the castle visit made the trip feel incomplete.

Henrique said he and his wife were most excited for the city’s atmosphere, being out on the streets and experiencing the energy of the celebration.

He added: “We’ve been trying to find something else to do last-minute, but it’s been difficult to find anything worthwhile that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap.

Yesterday a Unique Assembly Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for December 30 and the December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.

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“The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.

“We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.

“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay. Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.

“All indoor events are taking place as planned throughout the festival, including tonight’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on December 31, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral. We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.”

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