Scots have said they are “gutted” by the cancellation.
16:18, 15 Oct 2025Updated 16:27, 15 Oct 2025
Fawkes Festival has been cancelled for 2025(Image: Fawkes Festival)
Scotland’s “largest bonfire and fireworks event” has been cancelled for 2025. The announcement comes less than three weeks before the event was due to take place.
On Tuesday, October 14, organisers of Fawkes Festival in Edinburgh revealed that the festival will be taking a “planned pause” this year. The event, which was due to be held at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston on November 2, will return in 2026.
Fawkes Festival is described on its website as the “largest bonfire and fireworks event” in the country. Last year, the event welcomed approximately 15,000 visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
In a statement, organisers of the festival said that the cancellation will be “disappointing news”. They stated that the year break will give staff the opportunity to “refresh”.
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Fawkes Festival organisers also revealed that all tickets to the 2025 event will be automatically refunded. Those who previously purchased a ticket will receive a refund within five to 10 working days.
The statement reads: “Fawkes Festival is taking a planned pause in 2025 as part of a long-term strategy to further develop and enhance the event experience. While interest and support have been incredibly strong, the rising costs of delivering the scale, creativity, and experience we’ve envisioned have made it challenging to bring the event to life in the way it truly deserves.
“We remain fully committed to the high standards our audience expects and rather than compromise on quality, we’re taking this time to pause, reassess, and reimagine how we bring Fawkes Festival to life —at a level that’s both extraordinary and accessible.
“We understand this will be disappointing news to those who had bought tickets and were planning to come along. Please be assured that if you have already purchased tickets, you will automatically be refunded via your original payment method within five to 10 working days.
“Planning for the 2026 edition is already underway and we hope to do something even more ambitious, exciting, and unforgettable.”
The line-up for the 2025 Fawkes Festival was previously unveiled on October 1. Among the acts set to perform at the festival were Ibiza In Symphony, Bombskare, Ben Walker, and Cal and Ally.
Additionally, the festival was set to include a number of funfair rides and lasers. Street food vendors were also planned to be in attendance.
Since the announcement of Fawkes Festival’s cancellation, many Scots have taken to social media to share their thoughts. Those who previously purchased tickets expressed disappointment regarding the news.
One stated: “Hardly a ‘planned pause’ or an ‘early decision’! I bought our tickets two weeks ago—five weeks before the event was due to take place!
“Poor planning and customer service. If it’s poor uptake and not cost efficient, say that rather than what you’ve done here!”
A second wrote: “Wtf! No explanation?”
Another shared: “Glad I didn’t book it yet. Such a shame though as it was so good.”
What are your thoughts on the cancellation of Fawkes Festival 2025? Let us know in the comments below!