Edinburgh City Council

Edinburgh Winter Festival – 1995 to 2014
Edinburgh Hogmanay Celebrations – 1993 to 2014
Programme Duration: Approximately 40 days
Start date: Mid November
End date: Early January





The PROJECT

From 1993 until 2014 M&D Leisure worked in partnerships with a variety of agencies to bring the annual Edinburgh celebrations to life. Due to the size of the event Edinburgh City Council collaborated with several subcontractors all of whom would provide specific attractions during the celebrations.

For several years the primary event manager was She’s Gott It Events then Unique events and M&D Leisure were brought in every year to provide large scale attractions that could not be provided elsewhere or to such a high standard.

As the Winter Festival and Hogmanay Celebrations were held in two different locales, M&D Leisure situated different attractions at these different sites. An example of the attractions provided by M&D Leisure at the Edinburgh events included the Big Wheel, a traditional carousel, the Flying Carousel, a selection of children’s attractions, games stalls and festive foods stalls. Our 25-metre ice rink was placed in Princes Street Gardens.

Twenty years of collaborative partnership with large hosting authorities and fellow events managers has provided M&D Leisure with a unique insight into all aspects of event management. Working with other service providers, we are proud of have served our country’s capital at the most celebrated time of year.

Customer Experience


Throughout our twenty year collaborative partnership (with either Unique Events or She’s Gott It) our ethos has always been to provide a top quality, safe and exciting experience for every guest every time.

Each year in Edinburgh we built our own unique festive playground between Waterloo Place and East Market Place. Over the years some items have moved slightly but we always endeavoured to ensure that the larger items were close to the Scott Monument as we noted from customer feedback that the sight of monument at night illuminated was a sight to behold when riding the Big Wheel.

We listen to our guests and this is the kind of feedback that drives us forward to ensure that we are creating the experience that they want.

Each year we provided a traditional market as well as festive continental chalet-style stalls to provide an ambience of festive cheer with the crisp winter air smelling of warm apple cider and Glühwein as well as tempting roasts and sweet treats.

It was a pleasure and a joy to work with our partners in Edinburgh and we look forward to the opportunity again in the future.



Waste Management and Recycling

The various festivals/events discussed in this case study were organised by other umbrella events companies and therefore it was the responsibility of these companies (i.e. She’s Gott It Events or Unique Events) to manage waste. However, all waste directly related to the build, maintenance and derig or M&D Leisure was managed as per our standard waste management plan and Biffa..

SAFETY

Risk assessments were carried out in consultation with our collaborative partners and the events primary organisers (i.e. She’s Gott It or Unique Events) prior to the event and all elements of the event comply with all necessary health and safety requirements and fire regulations. Stewarding and first aid was were primarily managed by the major event’s organiser however any/all M&D Leisure personnel were briefed prior to event commencement and throughout.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS / SOCIAL VALUE

The popularity of the Edinburgh festive celebrations brings tourists from all over the country and world which in turn increases revenue for hoteliers, bars and restaurants as well as creating hundreds of jobs within the City.

EVENT SUCCESS & LINKS

It is estimated that over 75,000 visitors attended Hogmanay celebrations in 2014.


Edinburgh Hogmany a total sell out
Edinburgh area most popular among visiting tourists
Edinburgh's Hogmany

THE DELIVERY TEAM

They key members of the delivery team for this event were:

Matthew Taylor Snr, Managing Director
Matthew Taylor Jnr, Event Manager
Jensen Taylor-Connell, Event Coordinator
Lesley Hindman, Market Supervisor

Collaborative Working References

Referee 1

Organisation Name: She’s Gott It Events
Contact Name: Nickie Gott
Position: Managing Director
Address: Forster Business Centre, Finchale Road, Durham, DH1
Email Address: nickie@shesgottit.com
Telephone number: 0191 3709559
Service Provider: Edinburgh's Christmas

Referee 2


Organisation Name: Unique Events Ltd
Contact Name: Penny Dougherty
Position: General Manager
Address: 6A Mill Lane, Edinburgh, EH6 6TJ
Email Address: admin@unique-events.co.uk
Telephone Number: 0131 5613380
Service Provider: Edinburgh Hogmanay

Summary of Professional Ability and Experience  

The three attached case studies clearly illustrate M&D Leisure’s commitment and passion as well as strength and ability to not only comply with Newcastle City Council’s specification but to also exceed and excel in presentation and delivery of the proposed Newcastle Christmas Market.

The case studies highlight M&D Leisure’s sound infrastructure that can design, build and create a variety of consumer experiences both within the M&D primary site as well as at external national venues. The third case study in particular emphasises M&D Leisure’s ability to work collaboratively, and with longevity, with partners in the realisation and creation of large scale consumer experiences.

As a family business these three case studies truly exemplify our passion and values when providing a first class family-friendly experience. We take every effort to provide an offering that will not only be a traditional Christmas market but will evoke the spirit of Christmas in all of our guests, young and old.

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