Article Source: St James Quarter
Last Updated: 18 June 2021 18:40
Edinburgh’s skyline was filled with an array of dazzling light last night as an incredible illumination marked one week to go until St James Quarter officially opens its doors.
You can view highlights of the lightshow HERE
The countdown is on for St James Quarter’s’ much-anticipated phase one opening, and the new fashion district was officially welcomed to the city by some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. From the Balmoral and Edinburgh Castle to Forth Ports and the EICC, all roads led to St James Quarter as the whole of the night sky was illuminated- a symbol of this new city centre integration.
With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion. Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the upcoming opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar.
Inspired by the spirit of Arthur’s Seat and the meeting of tectonic plates, the light show represents the awakening of St James Quarter, after five years of development. Together with festival, tourism and cultural venues across the city, the display is a celebration of connectivity, bringing together landmarks throughout Edinburgh city centre, all leading to St James Square.
Over 500 light fixtures were placed around the ribbon building with accompanying projections and a soundtrack featuring local sound designer, Keith Fortune. Mick Hay from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo took centre stage, 55m meters from the ground, conducting the soundtrack with the unmistakable sounds of the drums, as lasers of light travelled across the city in all directions.
Rochelle Weir, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said:
“As we near the opening of phase one, the anticipation around the city is palpable. We wanted to bring this feeling to life, connecting with other landmarks, businesses, and partners across the city to mark our opening and cement our place on the iconic Edinburgh skyline.
“Our phase one opening is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we’re incredibly excited for the people of Edinburgh and beyond to see what lies behind the quarter. Last night’s display was just the beginning.”
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MOREScottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MOREAlice Cooper announces two exclusive UK shows for 2025 with at date at Edinburgh Playhouse in July!
READ MOREThe Social Darts bar, with venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, turns 10 this year and kicks off the year-long celebrations with a seriously cool competition!
READ MOREThis February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences.
READ MOREAlmost 200 tattoo artists from across Scotland, and the globe, will gather in Edinburgh for the twelfth Scottish Tattoo Convention – Scotland’s longest running tattoo event.
READ MOREBack with a bang, Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March offering a month of incredible deals, discounts and events from the capital’s best bars and restaurants.
READ MORETop amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORELive Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MOREBongo's Bingo is returning to Edinburgh with a run of spectacular winter shows including an 80s special and triple-whammy of St. Patrick’s Day specials.
READ MOREPavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MOREBBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MOREThe Scottish Gallery Press is delighted to launch a new, 80 page hardback book, offering a fresh history of The Scottish Colourists.
READ MOREThe National Theatre of Scotland is proudly offering a vivid and far-reaching programme featuring stellar Scottish talent, extraordinary stories, and surprising community interventions.
READ MOREOpening the International Festival this year will be the world premiere of a new play, Make It Happen, by James Graham, starring Succession's Brian Cox.
READ MOREForth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
READ MOREBuzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.
READ MOREAcclaimed chef Stuart Ralston brings his guest chef series, Shore to Shore, into the new year with Johnnie Crowe and Joshua Overington, Myse* joining him in the kitchen at Edinburgh’s Lyla.
READ MOREThe 78th Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will run from 14th to 20th August 2025 and submissions for the Festival are now open.
READ MOREJohnnie Walker Princes Street’s creative drinks team are serving up cocktails inspired by famous Scottish ingredients, including haggis and cranachan this January.
READ MOREVue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MOREDunbar Primary School had a special guest appearance from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, after the school were named as the top fundraisers as part of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MORECult brand Blank Street has confirmed it will open its first store in Edinburgh, located on the iconic Victoria Street, on 25th January.
READ MOREEdinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Playhouse are delighted to announce the full cast for the Scottish premiere of hit production Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.
READ MOREEdinburgh brewery, Vault City is offering a 20p return scheme to accompany a line of beers celebrating a beloved Scottish drink.
READ MOREScottish Building Society Foundation and Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Dr Bell’s) are encouraging parents to take the plunge in Scotland’s wild waters and improve their mental wellbeing.
READ MOREFrom a Wedding Open Day to Burns Night, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events this January!
READ MORELeith Theatre is proud to reveal it will be the Edinburgh home of Restless Natives: The Musical.
READ MORE