Radar: Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline at Ross Bandstand

The festive season in the capital is accelerating with a massive St Andrew’s Day celebration planned for West Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers have confirmed a full weekend of free entertainment centred around the Ross Bandstand.

The celebrations run from Saturday 29 November to Sunday 30 November, taking place between 12:00 and 18:00 each day. The event is unticketed, meaning you can turn up to enjoy the music and atmosphere without booking in advance.

A Taste of Scotland and St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh

The weekend programme begins on Saturday with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers topping the bill. The group is famous globally for its signature “bagrock” sound, which fuses traditional piping with heavy rock anthems. It is a high-energy live show that usually draws a significant crowd.

Saturday also marks Fair Saturday, a global movement that aims to be a positive counter to Black Friday. In recognition of this, the gardens will host stalls from Scottish makers, artists, and social projects. There will be live music from local performers, Highland dancers, and traditional food options, including hearty stovies.

The focus shifts to participation on Sunday, 30 November. The Ross Bandstand will host a free Family Ceilidh with sessions at 2:30pm and 4:30pm. Music will be provided by The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, a band well known in the Scottish circuit for their ability to get crowds moving. A caller will be on hand to teach the steps, making the event accessible for those who do not know their Dashing White Sergeant from their Gay Gordons. The local makers’ market and food stalls will remain open throughout Sunday afternoon.

Things to do in City Centre

West Princes Street Gardens is located in the very heart of Edinburgh, making it an easy focal point for a day out. The area is likely to be busy, so planning your transport and accommodation is advisable.

If you are travelling into the city, avoiding the car is usually the smartest move during the festive period. TheTrainLine can help you check times for services arriving at Edinburgh Waverley, which is a short walk from the gardens, or Haymarket Station at the west end. Alternatively, for those travelling from further afield without a rail link, National Express offers coach services that drop off centrally at the bus station near St James Quarter.

For those planning to make a weekend of it, staying central saves navigating night buses after the ceilidh. Apex Hotels has several properties in the city, including locations at Waterloo Place and the Grassmarket which are within walking distance of the bandstand. If you are looking for a broader range of options, Booking.com lists various apartments and hotels in the City Centre and West End.

The gardens are flanked by Princes Street, which offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Marks and Spencer is situated directly opposite the gardens if you need to warm up or grab essentials. For a more luxurious break from the cold, Harvey Nichols on St Andrew Square offers high-end fashion and food with views across the city.

If the weather turns too Scottish for an outdoor market, you might want to book an indoor activity nearby. Viator lists various tours and experiences in the Old Town and New Town that can help fill the morning before the music starts.

For your Radar

The St Andrew’s Day weekend at Ross Bandstand is a free, non-ticketed event running from 29 to 30 November. Expect loud bagpipes, outdoor dancing, and local crafts. It sits within the wider Edinburgh’s Christmas schedule but focuses specifically on Scottish culture and music.