As final arrangements for the Hogmanay programme of events and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party were announced today (Friday 28th December), organisers encouraged partygoers to enjoy the entertainment but to be sensible when planning their nights out.

Thousands of New Year revellers are expected to gather in the city centre for a four-day Hogmanay extravaganza from Saturday 29th December to Tuesday 1st January. This year’s programme is bigger and better than ever, with the line-up featuring some exciting new Scottish musical talents guaranteed to bring Edinburgh’s streets alive.

Around 10,000 are expected to join the launch of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – the Torchlight Procession on Saturday 29th December, heading from Parliament Square to Calton Hill for music, fireworks and the traditional burning of a Viking Longship. This year a majestic wicker stag, symbolising the Scottish Highlands, will also be set ablaze on the hill.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is The Night Afore ‘Monster Ceilidh’ on Sunday 30th December, featuring an eclectic mix of music, street theatre, storytelling and giant monsters from throughout Europe. This year The Night Afore will celebrate the Highlands and a hugely ambitious free programme of music, dance and street theatre is planned over several stages and throughout George Street.

This year’s world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on Monday 31st December is one of the most anticipated for years. With three arenas, six stages, nine bars and 100,000 revellers – it promises to be one of the best. Top rock band Kasabian will headline the Concert in the Gardens, with special guests Idlewild and newcomer Calvin Harris. Meanwhile Princes Street will rock to music from three live stages featuring artists including singer-songwriter King Creosote, ethno-techno dance group Trans-Global Underground, Scotland’s latest stars – The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, party king, The Great Calverto, and special guest X-factor winner Leon Jackson will put in an appearance. Once again partygoers can also enjoy a traditional Hogmanay at the Ceilidh in the Gardens.

At midnight, partygoers will be treated to the breathtaking spectacle of the Seven Hills Fireworks.

Then the fun continues on Tuesday 1st January with the One O’Clock Run; Edinburgh’s Dogmanay, the Iron Kids Duathlon and the Edinburgh Bicycle Triathlon.

But while these festivities go on, revellers are encouraged to stay safe, be sensible, and keep warm and dry.

For Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party there are a few extra tips revellers should bear in mind:

• Follow the instructions on the Hogmanay Street Party passes
• Come early
• Dress for the weather
• Look after each other and arrange a meeting point in case they become separated
• Think about how to get home. Lothian Buses and First Buses will be running services from various departure points around the City Centre to return revellers safely home. Visit www.edinburghshogmanay.com or contact the bus companies for further details.
• Follow instructions. Police and stewards are on duty to look after everyone’s safety and welfare. Bags may be searched on entry for security reasons.
• Revellers are encouraged not to bring children under 16 to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party (events on 29th and 30th December and 1st January are for all the family)
• People under the influence of excessive alcohol may be refused entry. It’s a matter of enjoying the New Year and considering others.
• The Hogmanay Street Party capacity is limited to ensure everyone’s safety. No one will get in unless they have an Edinburgh’s Street Party pass.
• Don’t bring glass into the arena.

Lord Provost George Grubb said:
“This year’s programme of events for Hogmanay is more exciting and varied than ever. Revellers at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have always had a reputation for being a great crowd, with very few incidents. We want to ensure that Edinburgh continues to host the best and safest New Year celebrations in the world.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Deputy Leader and Festival and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh said:
“The safety of partygoers is always our paramount concern. We ask people to listen to the advice from the police and stewards on the night – they are there to ensure you see in the New Year safe, warm and happy. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so please, if you need to, bring any New Year cheer in plastic containers or buy your drinks at the event. Dress warmly, be sensible, look after your friends and have a great New Year’s Eve.”

Neil Richardson, Assistant Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said:
“Police officers will be on hand to help and to ensure that your night is as enjoyable and safe as possible. For your own safety and security we advise you to heed police advice given on the night.

“We would remind partygoers not to bring glass containers to the Street Party as they will be confiscated at the entrance and to wrap up warm for the Scottish weather.”

For more information visit www.edinburghhogmanay.com

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