Latest news with #ChristmasMarket
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Edinburgh's winter festivals were worth almost £200m
Edinburgh's winter festivals were worth almost £200m to the city last year, despite the cancellation of the outdoor Hogmanay events, according to a new published by events organiser Unique Assembly found more than 2.8 million people visited Edinburgh's seasonal attractions, which included an ice rink, Christmas market and a events including the Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and the midnight fireworks were cancelled on 31 December due to worsening weather conditions, days after the torchlight procession was cancelled amid high Hogmanay events went ahead with an estimated audience of more than 25,000 people over four days. The report found the total economic impact of Edinburgh's Winter Festivals was £198m, combining the financial impact of both Edinburgh's Christmas (£150m) and Edinburgh's Hogmanay (£48m)Unique Assembly's Alan Thomson said: "We take a lot of heart from this report that, even having lost our outdoor events at Edinburgh's Hogmanay to weather, the winter festivals have still delivered."He added that they were working on next year's annual audience survey of more than 3,000 people found more than 70% of visitors from outside the city cited Edinburgh's Christmas as their main reason for travelling to Scotland's Graham, Edinburgh City Council culture and communities convener, said: "The findings of this report demonstrate that Edinburgh's world-famous winter festivals don't only draw a huge international crowd, boosting the economy and adding to the city's vibrant calendar of events, but, crucially, they deliver significant benefits to Edinburgh's local communities, businesses and charities."This is despite the cancellation of last year's outdoor events, showing just how far-reaching the programme of events is.
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Edinburgh's Hogmanay cancellation impact revealed - along with winter festival ice rink and Big Wheel use
Unique Assembly said it almost completed the process of insurance claims against the cancelled events. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The cancellation of Edinburgh's Hogmanay events last year had "little to no impact" on the economic benefit to the city, organisers have claimed. A report published on last year's Winter Festival found the benefit to the city from the events was likely to be similar to last year's figure, which is estimated at around £198 million - due to insurance policies against cancellations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Shoppers at the Christmas Market on Edinburgh's Princes Street. | PA The event was blighted when the Hogmanay concerts and street party were cancelled due to bad weather. Organiser Unique Assembly, which was awarded a three-year contract last year to produce and deliver the city's Winter Festivals, told The Scotsman it had 'almost completed' the claims process. A spokeswoman for the festivals said: 'Unique Assembly ensures there is a robust contingency insurance policy in place to minimise the financial impact of any potential event cancellation to the event and the city. Unique Assembly continues to work through the claim process, keeping CEC [Edinburgh City Council] abreast of the progress, and we are happy to say we have almost completed the process. 'What we have seen is that there is little to no impact on the significant economic benefit to the city, with revellers enjoying the hospitality of local businesses throughout the city centre, bringing in the bells at the many bars, clubs and restaurants.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Princes Street Gardens Christmas market in Edinburgh after all outdoor events including the street party and fireworks display planned for Hogmanay were cancelled due to bad weather last year. | PA The report revealed more than 45,000 people had bought tickets for the street party, up from 40,000 the previous year. The ice rink on George Street attracted fewer visitors than in previous years, however, with just 59,000 skaters taking to the ice, compared to 72,000 last year and 66,000 the year before. Meanwhile, 20,000 fewer people used the Big Wheel in Princes Street Gardens than in 2023/24. The report said the total economic impact of the Edinburgh's Winter Festivals in 2023-24 was calculated at £198m, combining the financial impact of both Edinburgh's Christmas at £150m and Edinburgh's Hogmanay at £48m. The report said the figure represents a return of £244 for every £1 invested by the council.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Major police operation underway after stabbing spree at German train station, woman arrested
Multiple people were wounded, some suffering life-threatening injuries, after a woman allegedly stabbed travelers with a knife on Friday at Hamburg Central Station in Germany. The 39-year-old woman, who has not yet been publicly identified, was arrested shortly after the attack without incident, Hamburg Police announced on X. Suspect Arrested After Stabbing At Berlin's Holocaust Memorial Near Us Embassy Officials believe the woman acted alone, but the motive is unknown. "Investigations into the background are in full swing," police said. Nyc Subway Conductor Makes Tragic Discovery On Train: Dead Woman Read On The Fox News App The attack happened in the late afternoon inside the station on the platform between tracks 13 and 14, according to a report from the Associated Press. Hamburg's fire service said six people suffered life-threatening injuries, three people were seriously injured, and three others had slight injuries, German news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported. However, police later said the number was not firm, only confirming "several" people had life-threatening injuries, according to the AP. State-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn posted to X saying they were "deeply saddened" by the act of violence. Tracks 11 to 14 at the main station were closed, and delays and diversions were announced for long-distance trains. German Christmas Market Attack Victim Dies At Hospital Weeks Later, Increasing Death Toll To 6 "We are fully supporting the authorities in their investigations on site," Deutsche Bahn wrote in a post. Police confirmed a "major" operation is currently underway. Nyc Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Shoving Commuter In Path Of Subway More than 550,000 travelers pass through Hamburg's main station each day, making it the most frequented passenger railway station in Germany, according to its website. The station, which opened in 1906, is just a short walk from the city center and features 75 shops and restaurants. In February, one person was seriously injured in a stabbing at Berlin's Holocaust memorial near the U.S. embassy. On Wednesday, Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, was charged with killing two Israeli Embassy staffers during a shooting at an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee in Washington, D.C. The Associated Press contributed to this article source: Major police operation underway after stabbing spree at German train station, woman arrested
Belfast Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Newry to get its first ever Christmas market this year
The council's sustainability and environment committee approved a report on Wednesday to host a five week seasonal event. The plan for the border city hopes to promote local trade in a location that has faced a sharp 'decline' in recent years although some councillors were cautious about the plans. Newry City SDLP councillor Doire Finn said: 'I have actually met with the organiser and the plans for it are absolutely fabulous. 'It has been a long held belief of mine that Newry Market can host events like this and I think it is going to be a game changing for that particular part of the town and for local traders. 'I think there is so much potential with it and it will bring so much life to local businesses. It is well over due. "I think it is a wonderful idea and I did not think I would be talking about Christmas on possibly the hottest day of the year so far in May.' The 17th century Newry Variety Market hall will provide up to 70 stalls for festive punters in a venue that was established in 1613. A council report states that an external party approached the local authority to pitch the idea for a 2025 Christmas Market. News Catch Up - Thursday 22 May It is proposed to open the stalls on the same night as the city's Christmas lights switch-on in mid-November and then on Thursday and Saturdays on the run up to Christmas. Newry City Sinn Fein councillor Valerie Harte added: 'Any move to enhance the footfall of the use of Newry Market has to be whole-heartedly welcomed. 'It is great to see that the market has so much potential. We need to make sure the current stall holders do not suffer from this. 'Any time you go through Newry Market you'd be lucky to see 10 stalls in use and that's on a good day. The decline has become so bad in that area. 'Surely, it might be an idea to run this as a pilot in its first year and work from there?' A council officer advised the chamber that current weekly stall holders would take part in the festive season at Newry Market. Slieve Gullion UUP councillor David Taylor had concerns about the time period. He said: 'We need to make sure we get this right. People leave from here to go to the Belfast Christmas Market and we want people to be coming here to Newry's. 'I certainly hope this proves to be a success and something we can build on in future years.'
Winnipeg Free Press
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
A craftsman of landmarks and life
Chances are anyone familiar with Winnipeg will have seen some of the creative works of Hubert Kondziela. Unlike gallery pieces, where each one features the signature of the artist, Kondziela's craftsmanship doesn't come with a label, but they remain part of his legacy and the historical beauty of this city. From giant artifacts and cultural landmarks — including a seven-metre windmill for a local garden centre that still stands, complete with revolving sails — to significant repairs to the exterior and interior of the Witch's Hut in Kildonan Park, Kondziela's contributions to the esthetics of Winnipeg will live on. Supplied Hubert Kondziela 'never really stopped' working, says daughter Monique. Here, he gives a tuneup to the windmill at Arbo Flora on St. Anne's Road. Meticulously sanding, fixing and painting the gingerbread motifs on the exterior walls of that iconic park piece, the craftsman also designed and built several structures for Folklorama, including a large portable stage. For the Christmas Market, he created a gingerbread hut and two nutcrackers measuring eight feet high. The carpenter was in high demand well into his senior years, building apartment blocks, custom-designing homes and furniture and renovating and remodelling several homes and businesses, including an extension on the illustrious Red Top restaurant. 'He never really stopped,' said his daughter Monique Kondziela. 'In his 80s, he was repairing the roof of the house. Customers never really stopped calling. He did a job and it lasted a long time.' A member of the German-Canadian Congress, the German Society of Winnipeg and the German choir, Kondziela promoted and encouraged the German culture in Winnipeg with passion. To help children learn the story of St. Nicholas, he loved visiting classrooms in character and never hesitated to jump at opportunities to bring cultural stories to life. Fiercely dedicated to his family, his community and his home — both in Germany, where he was born and raised, and in Canada, his adopted country — Kondziela took great pride in all of it. Supplied Hubert and Aurise Kondziela were married in 1956. He died at age 93 on April 1, 2024. Kondziela enjoyed a happy childhood in his birthplace of Silesia, Germany, before his family was forced to leave home during the Second World War. When Kondziela arrived in Canada, he was a certified journeyman specializing in carpentry. In his early 20s, he was ready to give his all to his new home. He met Aurise Smith, a small-town girl from Ste. Anne, and in 1956 the couple began what would evolve into a happy 67-year marriage, welcoming a daughter and a son, sharing values and the love of travel, dance, music and home. 'They were very different, but they still complemented each other,' said his daughter Monique. 'Through their faith they met at St. Mary's Cathedral, downtown. Dad being very proud of his family and accomplishments, he was extremely proud of my mother, his home, his family — they fit each other. My dad was very protective of her, always attuned to where she was and what she was doing. He was like that until the very end,' she said, adding that their closeness led to a happy childhood, for which she will always be grateful. Supplied Kondziela did nothing in half measures, including his fandom for the Blue Bombers. In 1960 the couple moved into their St. Vital home, which would become the heart of their family for decades ahead. 'He was attached to and protective of his home. He was extremely proud of his house — he put a lot of love into it. He lost his home during the Second World War and he never wanted to lose another home. When you lose everything in war it really does something to your psyche.' The childhood memories never left him and neither did his interest in planes, trains and automobiles, for which he had a lifelong fascination. 'He was a real connoisseur of World War II,' said his daughter. 'To the end of his days, whenever there was a plane going by, he'd watch it going right across the sky.' In 1994, the family did a road trip through Germany on what's called the Romantic Road, winding through enchanting gingerbread towns, a meaningful homecoming for Kondziela. Supplied Hubert Kondziela 'never really stopped' working, says daughter Monique Kondziela. Here, he gives a tuneup to the windmill at Arbo Flora on St. Anne's Road. 'We visited the home where my dad grew up, which is now a part of Poland. The current owners of the house let us in. My dad looked at every inch. I was absolutely thrilled for him, to watch his excitement. He was literally crawling everywhere,' Monique said, adding that her father returned to Germany on his own three or four more times. 'When you leave a country and settle in another, I don't think you really lose your roots and love for that country. I found that with my father his love for Germany grew.' Kondziela similarly put all he had, his love, into his Canadian home, with its additions and renovations, and the vegetable and flower gardens. A man of dreams, imagination and determination, he brought charm to all of his projects. 'He was an avid gardener,' said Monique. 'I can still taste the tomatoes and yellow beans. He couldn't wait to get into the garden. It was his happy place. There were bushes of peonies all along the backyard — he would often cut roses and peonies and bring them in for my mom.' When he wasn't building or planting, he was determined to celebrate life and special occasions as much as he could while making people laugh. Supplied The Kondzielas — Paul (from left), Monique, Aurise and Hubert travelled Germany's Romantic Road in 1994, including a stop in at the home where Hubert grew up. 'He was a real ham,' said Monique. 'He often couldn't keep a straight face. He'd crack up laughing at his own jokes. 'Our family had a lifetime of surprise birthdays and anniversaries. He celebrated with great fanfare. He enjoyed putting on a show. The world was a stage. That was a big part of who he was.' When the Grey Cup last came to Winnipeg, the longtime football fan found a way to get to hold the cup that nobody else was allowed to touch. 'They had an evening event. Somehow he said that he was 100 years old,' explained Monique. 'The CFL commissioner heard this, grabbed the Grey Cup and put it in his lap. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'That cup now has his name engraved on the fan base. Dad got the idea that the VIP event was to celebrate his 100th birthday. When asked on the way home what he thought of the event, he replied, 'There should have been more publicity.'' Supplied For his 90th birthday, friends sent Hubert Kondziela a personalized Winnipeg Blue Bombers jersey. Kondziela's legacy also includes quietly helping other newcomers begin life in Canada. At his funeral, a gentleman approached Monique to share how much he appreciated the opportunity given to him by her father. 'He said to me, 'Your dad hired me when nobody was hiring people of my background. I worked with him and learned his trade. I would not be where I am today without your dad.' 'Dad helped many people get a start in life. That was also part of wanting to leave his mark.' city@ Supplied Few can touch the Grey Cup, but Kondziela figured a way to make it happen for himself.
