The organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay have announced there will be new Covid measures in place following the rise in cases.
Underbelly issued a statement on Thursday (December 16) to confirm that ticket holders to all of their city centre events must follow a number of new restrictions.
This includes all attendees being required to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test from the day of the ticketed event to gain access.
The rule does not just cover the Street Party, but also includes tshe Torchlight Procession, all concerts that are part of the Scottish music programme in Greyfriars Kirk, and the Loony Dook.
READ MORE - Edinburgh Covid-19 deaths nearing 1000 and Nicola Sturgeon expects more
Certain events will also require the use of face coverings and vaccine passports to attend.
The updated Edinburgh’s Hogmanay safety measures include:
· The Torchlight Procession: Thursday, 30 December. All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow on the day of the event (30 December) when collecting their torches from one of the three pick up locations. Ticket holders must register their test result through the government website and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.
· Scottish Music Programme at Greyfriars Kirk – Wednesday, 29 – Friday, 31 December. All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event that they are attending at entry to Greyfriars Kirk. Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.
A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending. Additionally, Scottish Music Programme attendees at Greyfriars Kirk will be required to wear a face covering while enjoying the entertainment and will be asked to scan the Scottish Government Test and Trace QR code upon entering the venue.
· Party at the Bells – Friday, 31 December, 10pm-1am. Underbelly will be opening the Box Office from Tuesday, 27th December for ticket holders to collect their official tickets and wristbands. Upon collection, members of the public will be required to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours or their vaccine passport. Additionally, all Party at the Bells attendees will need to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event at an entry point into Party at the Bells to gain access to the event on 31 December.
This applies to Street Access, Garden Access and Premium Access ticket holders. Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here for anyone attending.
· Loony Dook – Saturday, 1st January, 10:30am. Participants must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow result at the South Queensferry registration point. The lateral flow test must be taken on the morning of the event and registered negative through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.
Speaking about the changes, Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: “Underbelly continues to work daily with the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council and agencies to deliver a safe and a great Hogmanay.
"With safety at the heart of everything we do, we have decided proactively to introduce additional measures that are designed to protect our audiences, artists and employees to keep them safe. We and all agencies are working hard to deliver the event and to welcome audiences to Princes Street, placing Scotland at the forefront of the world’s new year events.”
