Edinburgh’s Christmas market has been thrown into chaos due to the organiser that won the contract earlier this year pulling out.
Angels Event Experience Ltd have walked away from the contract to deliver Edinburgh's Christmas just weeks before construction for the huge event usually begins.
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The events bring around £113.2m for the city and Edinburgh's Hogmanay generates £39.2m for the capital, according to the City of Edinburgh Council. Both events also employ large numbers of Edinburgh residents.
Council chiefs have not yet given a reason for the contract falling through but council leader Cammy Day has said they are in "positive discussions" to ensure that the festive celebrations will be delivered to the capital this year.
Bosses are now scrambling to find an alternative with Unique Events and Assembly Festival reportedly in discussions with Edinburgh City Council over a contract for the events. It is expected both companies are to put separate proposals in to tender.
Events giant, Assembly won the contract for the Capital's Hogmanay celebrations and have bid for Edinburgh's Christmas previously. It is not clear, however, if events will have to be scaled back due to the short notice of procurement.
Council leader Cammy Day told the Scottish Sun: "We’re hugely disappointed that Angels Event Experience Ltd have been unable to deliver on their contract to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas.
"We’re in positive ongoing discussions around ensuring that Christmas events can be successfully delivered for the city this year."
The City of Edinburgh Council has been approached for comment.
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