Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations

Scotland is world famous for its New Year celebrations, known as Hogmanay. This momentous occasion is celebrated at its best in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. See in 2007 in the company of the Pet Shop Boys, Paolo Nutini, 100,000 party goers and some of the finest New Year celebrations in the world.

The famous Torchlight Procession kicks off Hogmanay celebrations on 29 December. This free party sees thousands of torch-holding people gathering in Parliament Square to create a spectacular river of fire through the city up to Calton Hill. You can purchase vouchers for torches for £4 before the event and a limited number will be available on the night for £5.

On 30 December, Night Before International welcomes a free elaborate street carnival on George Street complete with many costumed floats. This year the carnival is partnered with Germany, which will provide the theme for the parade and the food available on the night.

On New Year’s Eve itself, there are a range of events to choose from at the festival. The main celebrations are held at the Royal Bank Street Party, located in Edinburgh’s city centre. Hundreds of thousands of party goers gather to welcome in the New Year. This year there will be three stages, two giant screens and one big party. For the first time, there will also be paying bars serving alcohol. You can purchase tickets for £5 or a party pack containing a hat, information cards, lip balm, a mobile phone charm, temporary tattoos, a badge and a ticket for the event for £20.

Ceilidh in the Gardens at East Princess Street Gardens is an outdoor concert in front of the castle grounds featuring funky ceilidh bands and merry fiddlers. Beer and hot food is available. Tickets cost £35 (plus £2.50 booking fee) and includes a Royal Bank Street Party pass.

Eighties pop duo the Pet Shop Boys and Scottish-born Paolo Nutini, whose sensational debut album The Streets has gone platinum, are both confirmed to be headlining this year’s Concert in the Gardens.

Paolo Nutini said, “I am over the moon to be asked to play at the Hogmanay festivities in Scotland. It’s a thrill to be playing at home on the most special night of the year. I hope that we can really pull out all the stops and make sure the crowd has a roaring good night.”

Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys added, “It’s great to be invited to play the party of the year in Edinburgh and we are really looking forward to putting on a memorable show.”

In addition to the headlining artists playing on the main stage, there will be another three stages within the arena featuring other live acts from 10pm onwards. Tickets for the Concert in the Gardens are priced at £40.00 for the enclosure and £32.50 for the gardens (plus £2.50 booking fee). Tickets for the concert provide access to the West Street Princess Gardens and the Royal Bank Street Party.

The New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms is an indoor event where you can dance the night away upstairs or enjoy some rocking music downstairs. Tickets cost £45 (plus £2.50 booking fee). Also indoors is the classical Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral. Tickets cost £16 (plus £1.50 booking fee).To round off Hogmanay with a few big bangs, the Seven Hills Firework display sees thousands of fireworks being launched from Edinburgh Castle and six other hills around the city. This spectacle can be seen for miles around the city.

Should you wish to contribute details of events happening in your college, or other stories of interest, please write to us, or e-mail us with your contact details on info@sunderland-life.co.uk

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