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Edinburgh’s Christmas is staging a brand new outdoor spectacular this year, sponsored by Forth Ports and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, as part of the city’s 2007 festive programme. An aerial performance of the classic poem, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, will be premiered on Saturday 24th November opposite Ocean Terminal in Leith, and will feature aerial acrobats, actors, a big swing band and fireworks. The free family event, which was especially commissioned for Edinburgh’s Christmas, is on for one night only.

Edinburgh’s Christmas producer, Nickie Gott of She’s Gott It!, said

“This is the first time Edinburgh’s Christmas has included anything like this. In scale, imagination and creativity it is something totally new and different, and we anticipate that it will be a huge hit for all ages. It brings something else to the festivities, complementing the other winter activities and shopping opportunities around the city in November and December. We have made it free so that everyone can enjoy it at what is generally an expensive time of year.”

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas is produced by Scots event specialist Chloe Dear and performed by local aerialists and actors accompanied by a narrator. The performance, which is expected to draw 8000 people, will include aerial fairies, flying toys and the dramatic arrival of Father Christmas down the chimney with music from Edinburgh’s popular 16-piece fancy dress swing band, The Love Boat Big Band.

Editor’s Notes:

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas Saturday 24th November, opposite Ocean Terminal, Leith. 5pm (ends 5.45pm). Free. www.edinburghschristmas.com

The performance is part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, over a month of activities, markets and festivities throughout the city. Edinburgh’s Christmas (Thursday 22nd November-Monday 24th December) launches on Thursday 22nd November with Light Night, the switch on of the Christmas lights across the city and the opening of the Edinburgh’s Christmas Winter Wonderland and Christmas markets. The new look Winter Wonderland in Princes Street Gardens includes a new Ice Gallery with ice bar and a Children’s Ice Rink. There are a wide variety of food and gift markets including a new Highland Village Christmas Market and the Edinburgh Ethical Christmas Fayre. Other Christmas activities in November and December include storytelling in the Magical Christmas Tents, the Norwegian Advent Carol Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral, an outdoor Nativity Carol Service, Santa Weekend and The Great Scottish Santa Run. For further details on these events and opening times and prices for the Winter Wonderland, see www.edinburghschristmas.com.

Ocean Terminal has shops, restaurants and bars which will be open before and after the performance. (Shops open until 7pm; bars, restaurant and cinema open until midnight). www.oceanterminal.com

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas is generously funded by Forth Ports (www.forthports.co.uk) and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian (SEEL) www.scottish-enterprise.com

For more information please contact:

Charlotte Rowland or Susannah McMicking

CM Porter Novelli

Tel: +44 (0)131 470 3400

Email:   charlotte.rowland@porternovelli.co.uk

            susannah.mcmicking@porternovelli.co.uk