Locals and guests from throughout the nation helped kickstart the celebrations within the capital as Castle of Light, the interactive gentle path at Edinburgh Castle, formally opened to the general public.
This yr, Castle of Light helps to mark the town’s epic 900th anniversary with a showstopping celebration appropriate for all ages. Getting the get together began, pupils from the native Royal Mile Primary School joined Rex the lion on the esplanade to formally ‘switch on’ this yr’s occasion for its seven-week run.
Electrifying Edinburgh’s iconic skyline for a fifth improbable yr, Castle of Light pulled out all of the stops with an immersive after-dark path, reworking the historic fortress grounds with all-new gentle and sound shows celebrating 900 years of historical past and setting the festive season ablaze.
From legendary creatures to long-lost tales, guests reveled within the alternative to stroll within the footsteps of some of Scotland’s most well-known figures earlier than dancing by means of the ages in Crown Square.
Illuminating the Lava Wall with tales of the tenacious ladies that historical past forgot, visitors got here head to head with figures spanning the twelfth to the twenty first century, together with Scottish science pioneer Mary Sommerville, explorer, naturalist and photographer Isabella Bird, and Sophia Jex-Blake, one the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, with Sara becoming a member of the crew on opening night to see her writing come to life on the Castle partitions.
Emma Bowie, regional customer & neighborhood supervisor at Edinburgh Castle, stated: “Castle of Light has really turn into a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule, and this yr’s celebration is especially particular as we mark the town’s 900th anniversary.
“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”
Brought collectively by a consortium of the best digital and visible expertise in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks all through the festive season, on choose dates till Saturday 4 January 2025. A particular entry night will even happen on Sunday 8 December.
Ticketed entry slots will run each quarter-hour between 4.30pm and seven.30pm every night, with final entry between 7.30pm and seven.45pm. The occasion closes at 9pm.
