40 Accessible Edinburgh: A Festival Guide Festivals 41
TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
Wed 30 Dec
There is full disabled access to the Torchlight Procession. Howev-
er, due to the nature of the event there are no wheelchair viewing
platforms/areas either on the route or at the finale point. Torch-
light Procession route areas can be steep and uneven and not well
lit, though there is a tarmac road in areas. There are no specific
disabled access facilities for wheelchair users accessing the finale
site, but there should be an accessible toilet. Accessible parking
can be found on Regent Rd between Carriage Dr and Regent Tce.
CANDLELIT CONCERT – ST GILES’ CATHEDRAL, ROYAL MILE
Thu 31 Dec
There is a ramp at main entrance to St Giles’ Cathedral but this
is very steep; staff are on hand to help. The cathedral has no
designated areas for wheelchair users, and a limit of four can
be accommodated within the general seating area. There’s an
accessible toilet, but no designated Blue Badge parking.
EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY STREET PARTY – PRINCES STREET
Thu 31 Dec
The Street Party arena is fully accessible. However, this event is
extremely busy and there are no wheelchair viewing platforms
or specified viewing areas. Wheelchair users are therefore ad-
vised to attend either the Concert in the Gardens or the Old Town
Ceilidh events, which have smaller capacities, safe viewing zones
and are easier to access away from the crowds of the Street
Party. Contact the Box Office at edinburghshogmanay@edfringe.
com or call 0844-573 8455 to speak to a member of staff about
your assistance requirements, access and advice on the most
suitable event for your needs.
There are accessible toilets at South St Andrew St, South St
David St, Frederick St, Castle St, and the bottom of the Mound.
EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY STREET PARTY –
WEST PRINCES ST GARDENS
Thu 31 Dec
Entrance for disabled patrons is at King Stables Rd. The viewing
area for wheelchair users (limited to 10) is at the rear of the en-
closure, where the accessible toilets is also located.
OLD TOWN CEILIDH – CITY CENTRE
Thu 31 Dec
This event is fully accessible, with no specific disabled access
facilities, areas or viewing platforms.
Imaginate Festival
0131-225 8050; http://www.imaginate.org.uk; 27 May–4 Jun 2017This is Britain’s biggest festival of performing arts for children,
with events suitable for kids from three to 12. Groups from
around the world perform classic tales like Hansel and Gretel, as
well as new material written specially for children.Edinburgh Haymarket
Edinburgh’s Pride festival celebrated its 21st birthday in 2016.
The date for the 2017 festival will be announced in September,
but is likely to be in June/July.Royal Highland Show
0131-335 6200; http://www.royalhighlandshow.org; Royal Highland
Centre, Ingliston; 22-25 Jun 2017Scotland’s hugely popular national agricultural show is a four-
day feast of all things rural, with everything from showjumping
and tractor driving to sheep shearing and falconry. Countless
pens are filled with coiffed show cattle and pedicured prize ewes.
There is a limited number of Blue Badge parking bays on hard
surfaces, which are closer to the main gates than public parking.
Overspill parking for Blue Badge holders may not offer the same
advantages. The parking fee is £8.00.
Electric scooters and manual wheelchairs are available from
Mobility Hire 4 You. Their two hire-stations are located at both
the East and West Gates. Prebooking is strongly recommended
at http://www.mobilityhire4you.com/diary/ or by phoning 0135-365- For visitors arriving by public transport at the South En-
trance, arrangements may also be made directly with them.
Assistance dogs are admitted.
Scottish Real Ale Festival
http://www.sraf.camra.org.uk; Corn Exchange, Chesser Ave; 7-9 July
2016A celebration of all things fermented and yeasty, Scotland’s big-
gest beer-fest gives you the opportunity to sample a wide range
of traditionally brewed beers from Scotland and around the
world. Froth-topped bliss. The festival is held over a long week-
end in June or July.