Edinburgh’s Christmas begins on 17 November when the festive sites

will open to the public in East and West Princes Street Gardens, on Castle

Street, George Street West and St Andrew Square. Phyllis Stephen chats

to Dani Rae, Co-Director of producers UniqueAssembly

U

niqueAssembly was appointed

to run Edinburgh’s Christmas

last year when they stepped

into the breach as the

appointed contractor withdrew

only weeks before the event. In

our exclusive interview Dani

Rae, one of the company’s directors outlines what is

on offer this year.

WHO IS UNIQUEASSEMBLY?

UniqueAssembly is a partnership between Unique

Events and Assembly Festival. Separately we

produce some of the most recognised world-class

events that take place in Edinburgh, including as

part of the Fringe, so it seemed natural to team up

last year to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas and

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2022/23.

ARE YOU ALL EDINBURGH-BASED?

I’m originally from Dumfries & Galloway but have

lived in Edinburgh for over 20 years, and am proud

to call it my home. Most of our team lives and

works in Edinburgh year-round or certainly

considers Edinburgh their home away from home.

When we’re not working on Christmas, we’re busy

planning other events in the city like the Festival

Fringe or Burns & Beyond.

AND WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP

WITH THE COUNCIL?

UniqueAssembly Ltd was awarded the contract for

Edinburgh’s Christmas by The City of Edinburgh

Council (CEC) on an emergency basis last year

• after the contract tender failed. We worked hard
  for both the council and the city to turn around a
  festival – at extremely short notice – that did the
  city proud. This year, with a little more notice, we
  continue to work toward making this city’s event
  the best it can be. The emergency period is coming
  to an end, with CEC releasing the tender details for
  future events shortly. We’re keen to be part of
  Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
  for some time to come so are working on a vision
  that respects the city and ensures it can remain part
  of our capital’s best cultural fixtures.

ARE ALL THE EVENTS IN THE CITY CENTRE?

Our celebrations will be spread across four locations

in the city centre this year – East Princes Street

It’s (almost)...

Christmas

12 FEATURE

Mihaela Bodlovic

MUST DO THIS CHRISTMAS...

Eat and drink some Christmas treats at

East Princes Street Gardens. Stay warm and

toasty with a mug of something mulled.

Christmas markets on George St/Castle

Street. Find the perfect locally-made,

artisanal gifts for your loved ones.

Classic funfair rides in West Princes Street

Gardens. Take a spin on the Carousel or chase

your chums on the Dodgem Cars.

Christmas storytelling with Santa in

St Andrew Square. Teach your children the

gift of giving at Santa’s Stories.

Chris Scott

Robin Mair