Red Hot Chilli Pipers to headline Edinburgh’s Christmas Kick Off Concert
The bagpiping sensation’s free gig will kick off a busy line-up of festive events across the city
Further plans for Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations have been unveiled, including a full programme of events at the Ross Bandstand and the return of Community Tickets, giving out tickets to local groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians for rides and events.
Kicking off the celebrations are the Red Hot Chili Pipers, the veteran trad act who’ve become internationally known for their bagpiping skills. Their performance on Saturday 14 November will take place at Ross Bandstand in the inaugural free Edinburgh’s Christmas Kick Off Concert to mark five weekends of free community focussed and family-friendly events.
The Ross Bandstand Programme will also include Diwali celebrations on Sunday 15 November; a Light Night on Sunday 22 November; a weekend of St Andrew’s Day celebrations on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, complete with free outdoor ceilidh; and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sunday 6 December.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Community Tickets will offer free tickets to attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, Family Ice Experience with Icelandair, Around the World Star Flyer and much more. Applications for community tickets are open now until Wednesday 4 November. The Community Tickets initiative is intended to give back to the communities that host Edinburgh’s Christmas, and supports tickets for free-to-attend community-funded outreach groups and charities in and around Edinburgh.
On the community tickets initiative, Unique Assembly said: ‘We’re delighted to announce the return of our Community Tickets initiative, this year supported by our new headline partner Halo. We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host us, and to give out festive treats to those who need it most.’
The announcement of Edinburgh’s Christmas roster joins the already announced Edinburgh’s Hogmanay plans, which include a gig from Scottish mainstays The Fratellis and a ‘midnight moment’ from electronica duo Underworld to bring in the bells. Read more about the plans here.
Edinburgh's Christmas, various venues, Edinburgh, Saturday 14 November–Sunday 3 January Picture: Ian Georgeson.