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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

10 Edinburgh events to look forward to in 2021 including the Tattoo, pantomimes and Olly Murs

2020 was a disappointing year of cancellations, with much more 'what's off' than 'what's on'.

However, 2021 is shaping up to be much more promising, with vaccination plans now well in motion that should allow for a more normal life to begin again.

A number of events have now been organised for the next 12 months, from shopping to shows, that are more than hopeful to go ahead.

With Edinburgh to see a 'roadmap' out of lockdown announced by Nicola Sturgeon in the coming days, there could be even more that can finally go ahead in the coming year.

But for now, here is a list of some of the things that are set to happen in 2021.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Tattoo is currently to still go ahead this August, with tickets on sale for the 2021 production.

Last year, the show, like the rest of the festival, was forced to cancel, however this summer is to look more promising.

It's unclear if the festival itself will run, however the tattoo is planning to run, with some social distancing and hygiene measures in place when needed.

You can find more information here.

The St James Quarter development

The huge shopping complex and all the restaurants and bars that go with it is due to open in 2021.

At present there is no official opening date, however construction is nearing completion on the gigantic development.

The W or 'organge peel' hotel is also set to open in 2021, with hopes the tourism and shopping industry will be allowed to open in the near future.

A number of jobs have also now been advertised for the complex.

FLY Open Air festival

The iconic dance festival had taken a break throughout the pandemic, with its events at Princes Street Gardens unable to go ahead.

However, with normality feeling as if it is in sight, organisers have confirmed they will be running a two-day event underneath the castle in September, for everyone to finally have a proper boogie.

A host of tickets have already been sold for the event, with the remainder to go on sale on Monday (March 15).

You can find more information here.

The Johnnie Walker Experience

Work has been ongoing in the old Frasers store for months, and the experience is set to open this summer.

The site will include tours, whisky tastings, private dining areas, live music performances and even a stunning rooftop terrace to enjoy a drink on while overlooking the city centre.

An official date has not been set for the day the doors will open, however it has been confirmed that it will be in 2021.

The Parking Lot Social drive-in

Tickets are on sale now for the springtime drive-in extravaganza in Dalkeith Country Park from 19-23 May, with familiar favourites alongside some amazing new additions. This includes Scotland exclusive Scary Movie sessions, featuring live scare actors at midnight on each date.

There will also be a host of drive-in movies for all ages, as well as the Social Kids event, with an afternoon of quizzes, Car-a-oke, games and even a silent disco.

Terminal V Halloween

Terminal V has unveiled an incredible lineup for their next event in 2021. (Terminal V)

Another huge dance event, Terminal V will take place for a '12 hour rave' at Ingliston this October for some spooky madness.

Set to be headlined by Nina Kraviz and other top DJ's from across the country, the event has already sold out, however some tickets are being re-sold.

Coco Chocolatier Experience

The company are branching out into a new venture over the next year. (Getty)

Small batch premium chocolate maker Coco Chocolatier have announced that they'll be moving from Portobello to a huge 10,000sq ft retail warehouse in South Queensferry and that they'll be a creating a new manufacturing facility and visitor centre in the space.

The warehouse at Port Edgar Marina, which was previously occupied by antiques retailer Shapes, is currently being fitted out to house production and office facilities and is expected to be completed by the end of this spring.

For chocolate lovers, the visitor centre will be offering guided tours, tastings and an event space, with hopes that it'll open in summer 2021.

Beauty and the Beast at the Playhouse

Edinburgh Playhouse will host an array of performances once it is safe to do so. (Creative Commons)

The iconic fairytale is scheduled to hit the Playhouse stage from Thursday October 21- Saturday November 27 2021 after having to reschedule from 2020.

Currently, the theatre have cancelled all of their shows up until April, however it is expected that this could be extended for a period after.

However, with a much more normal life predicted for the end of the year, you may be able to sit in the classic red seats once again.

You can find more information here.

Watch Olly Murs at the Castle

Another event scheduled for Edinburgh Castle, Olly Murs, an X-Factor favourite, is set to appear on the Esplanade in July.

Not long before the Tattoo, Murs will be performing to fans, who had their tickets rescheduled from the original event in 2020.

The Edinburgh Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is usually set up in the city centre. (Edinburgh International Book Festival)

Bringing together a host of different writers and bookworms, the festival will go ahead this summer (2021).

Filled with different panels and discussions, Edinburgh's event is usually a hit with high profile authors from all around the world.

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