Joe GallopEdinburgh City Council has approved revised plans for event producer Unique Assembly to deliver both Edinburgh Christmas and Hogmanay festivals this year, after Angels Event Experience (AEE) said it could no longer deliver on the terms of its contract to deliver Edinburgh Christmas.
The contract has been awarded for one year, with the option of a one-year extension, should pre-agreed performance measures be met.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council’s Finance and Resources committee, following the request to terminate and withdraw from the contract by AEE late last month. The company asked to be released from the contract when it became apparent that they were unable to deliver on the terms.
The council said AEE’s limited involvement in the operation of the Christmas Market, as a subcontractor to Unique Assembly, will allow for celebrations to go ahead this year, while ensuring the 70 stallholders and local businesses who had been expecting to trade can still do so.
Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day said, “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to find a solution so quickly, ensuring Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas celebrations can go ahead this year. We will, of course, conduct a full review into why this happened but our absolute priority is to ensure that we provide high-quality festive celebrations for the city – and that these should be delivered in the spirit of the feedback received in our consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders.
“There’s no questioning the popularity of our winter festivals or the benefits they bring to the Capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole.
“Crucially, the new plans will deliver on the key elements of our public consultation, including reduced use of green spaces, more accessible and family-friendly attractions, greater use of local traders and a more even spread around the city centre.”
A review of the contract and procurement process will take place and be brought to Councillors in the New Year.