Edinburgh Festival fireworks display to end after 40 years as organisers fail to find sponsor

Edinburgh International Festival’s annual closing fireworks display is set to fizzle out after 40 years.

The Edinburgh Castle event, which has been a tradition since 1982 and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators, will not run this summer due to a lack of sponsor.

The 45-minute show has not taken place for the past three years because of the COVID pandemic.

As well as a ticketed spot within Princes Street Gardens, people could also watch for free from Princes Street or other viewing points across the capital.

A festival spokesperson said they are now looking into plans for a large-scale event that would replace future displays.

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They said: “The international festival won’t be staging the fireworks this year.

“We will be speaking with the other August festivals and the City of Edinburgh Council to see what form a large-scale closing event might take in the future, that would replace the fireworks.

“The fireworks have always been dependent on a major sponsor, and we do not have one to support the event this year.

“We are in discussion about future closing events with a broad range of partners.”

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The 76th edition, taking place between 4-27 August, will mark Nicola Benedetti’s first year as festival director and will feature music, theatre, comedy, dance and opera shows.

A number of free events will take place, including the opening celebration and music in Charlotte Square.