Castle of Light: First look at event transforming Edinburgh Castle in the run-up to Christmas

Edinburgh Castle has been cast in a new light as it heralded the start of the city's festive season with the launch of a new after-hours spectacular.

Dramatic smoke and fire effects, striking animated sequences, street entertainers, disco lights and laser beams were all deployed at Scotland's most iconic attraction for the launch of its new "Castle of Light" event.

Specially-created sequences for the world-famous facade of the castle and 10 sites within its walls were unveiled after months of behind-the-scenes planning for what is billed as Edinburgh's biggest ever light show.

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It is hoped Castle of Light, which takes around an hour and a half to experience, will be repeated in 2020 and 2021 if it proves successful this year.

The £20-a-head event, which boasts a soundtrack featuring electronica music and Gaelic songs drawn from the Highlands and Islands, explores the 900-year history of the castle as well as highlighting some of Scotland's best-known landscapes.

Highlights include a specially-recorded poetry reading by the Scots Makar Jackie Kay for a sequence outside the Scottish National War museum, animated appearances from dragons and lions, the transformation of Crown Square into a dance hall, and a cameo appearance from Edinburgh's Christmas panto stars, Grant Stott and Andy Gray.

The 3750-capacity show, which is being staged until 22 December , is the first major public event to be staged outside normal opening hours at the castle, which is hosting the event until 10pm each night.

Gillian MacDonald, head of business development at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "Castle of Light invites visitors to watch the history of this iconic landmark come to life as it illuminates the very walls that saw it unfold."

The new Castle of Light event is being staged for six weeks in the run-up to Christmas.The new Castle of Light event is being staged for six weeks in the run-up to Christmas.
The new Castle of Light event is being staged for six weeks in the run-up to Christmas.

Audrey Jones, head of new business and film at Historic Environment Scotland, the agency responsible for the castle, said: “Our remit for the event was that we wanted it to be completely unique and bespoke to the castle.

We wanted it to be relevant and fun, rather then historical and dull. The team has more than done that - it looks amazing.”