Edinburgh’s Christmas is set to help the city celebrate Christmas safely and differently this year.
Organiser's of Edinburgh's famed Christmas markets have today announced a new digital programme, set to help local businesses after a year of unprecedented hardship.
Underbelly has said its aim is to celebrate the capital's creative community and support local businesses - all while bringing festive cheer to people across Edinburgh.
From the beginning of December until Christmas eve, Santa Claus himself will be reading stories to keep Christmas spirit alive and bring some magic every evening before bedtime.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is calling on budding writers of all ages, from within Edinburgh and the Lothians to send in a story filled with festivity, hope and fun.
Santa Claus himself will select the winners and will read them out, and Edinburgh’s Christmas will publish them on the website.
And while a market in the traditional sense won't be possible, Edinburgh’s local businesses will be the focus of a new online campaign and virtual shop window in an online neighbourhood market.
Ruth Fisher, Producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas for Underbelly said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is a hugely important event for the city and this year’s digital programme has been designed to put Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first.
"The new Christmas Neighbourhood Market is designed to shine a spotlight on the wealth of products and produce that we have here in Edinburgh and encourage residents to shop locally this Christmas.
"As a key worker, Santa is very much at the heart of our plans. We look forward to reading the story submissions and working with Santa and his elves to produce a great series of Advent Stories.
"In what has been an unprecedented year for Edinburgh, we hope that the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme brings some cheer and enjoyment to everyone this festive season.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross added: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and, as Edinburgh’s Christmas goes digital this year, our residents and local businesses will be at the heart of it all. What an honour to have Santa Claus himself reading bedtime stories every night leading up to the big day.
“The new online Neighbourhood Market promises to be an exciting and convenient outlet for Christmas shopping and a fantastic opportunity for local businesses of all kinds. This year, more than ever, it’s essential to support our local businesses and through the Neighbourhood Market we can do this while at the same time staying safe and having some festive fun.
“I’m glad that although we can’t be together at our usual popular events this year, this digital programme ensures that the Capital will still have plenty of Christmas spirit.”
From today, a sign up portal on www.edinburghschristmas.com will open for local, independent businesses to enter their information to be part of the Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market - with hopes that artisan producers, makers, local retailers, bakers, gift companies, accessory and clothing businesses, hotels and restaurants all sign up and put the focus on supporting and celebrating local, independent businesses.
Throughout the campaign, the neighbourhood market will put a spotlight on a range of selected local businesses each day, showcasing the wealth of product and produce on offer in Edinburgh.
On hearing about the Christmas Neighbourhood Market, Ashley Harley, Events Manager at Mimi’s Bakehouse said: “We have always loved being part of Edinburgh Christmas and as a local Edinburgh business we love helping to ensure there is local presence so this digital platform is such a fantastic idea.
"Giving Edinburgh businesses a chance to showcase the amazing gifts, produce, food and drink the city has to offer and utilise to Edinburgh Christmas platform will be sure to generate some sales at a time when the retail and food and drink has taken a real blow. We encourage everyone to shop local this year and support your independents whilst having a safe and happy Christmas.”
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