Edinburgh’s festive celebrations begin with a bang and dazzling switch-on

By JOHN-PAUL HOLDEN
Published on 30/11/2012 12:00

THEY came from all over the world to watch the Capital’s Christmas party kick off in a blaze of light, fireworks and gravity-defying circus art.

Around 15,000 hardy spectators braved freezing temperatures in the city centre last night for the Christmas Dream Machine – a bespoke show about the dreams of a child.

Led by a giant Santa Claus, a glittering assortment of characters headed up The Mound for pyrotechnics, aerial performances and the lighting of Edinburgh’s Christmas tree – as ever a gift from the Norwegian county of Hordaland.

Danuta Ramos, 32, who was hoisted several feet into the air as the dreaming child, said: “It was fun having a massive crane just to carry little old me around.”

Giske Bratli, 41, who had just arrived in the Capital from Bergen in Norway, said: “The vibes have been great. It’s my first time in Edinburgh. My impression is that it’s a lovely city – I love the architecture and the atmosphere.”

Victoria Devoy, 37, a council worker from Bishopbriggs in Glasgow, said she had come to the Capital especially for the switch-on.

“There’s a really international crowd in Edinburgh and it’s so cosmopolitan. In Glasgow it’s a bit more local and intimate,” she said.

Edinburgh’s Got Talent finalist Claire Anderson, 16, who performed alongside fellow finalists Billie Finlayson, Shayne Kidd and winner Rebecca Traynor, said: “It was really nice to be up on stage again. An event like this really helps the Christmas spirit.”

Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “The Light Night ceremony shows Edinburgh at its best and this spectacular evening is always a fantastic way to mark the start of six weeks of celebrations.”

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