Passes For Edinburgh's Biggest Street Party Go On Sale

It's that time of year again, a slight nip in the air has us looking forward to Christmas, and for us Scots and sundry supporters of Hogmanay, the ancient Festival which celebrates the coming of a New Year. We at EdinburghGuide have a special interest in Hogmanay as we have a sister site that we have run for more than ten years which provides information for all the Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland www.hogmanay.net . It has been a free information service for street parties anywhere in Scotland and even the rest of the planet. We have obviously always tried to bring you the best information on our capital's celebrations as well as everywhere else so here is the first information to be released this year on the tickets and street party passes... good luck, and move fast is our advice ....John Ritchie Editor

This Friday, 3rd October 2008, starts the official countdown to Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations as passes go on sale for the world-famous Street Party. Revellers will be able to log on to www.edinburghshogmanay.com or call 0844 481 2009 to scoop their passes to this year's Hogmanay spectacular.

Passes for 2008/09 are £10, but as part of an earlybird promotion, those first off the mark will be able to snap up a limited number of passes for just £5. Demand this year is expected to be high, so party-goers are advised act quickly to avoid disappointment when passes are released this week.

Listed as one of the top 100 things to do before you die, Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party will be an even more memorable experience this year when the stages will go live at the new time of 9.00 pm - and keep the party going until 1.00 am.

As the length and breadth of Princes Street and the Gardens come alive with festivities, around 100,000 revellers will gather to bring in 2009 in style. One of the world's biggest outdoor parties is framed by the brilliant backdrop and fairytale skyline of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile making for a truly breathtaking evening. From candle-lit concerts to ceilidhs and rock-bands, Edinburgh is always where the New Year party is!

Commenting on this year's festivities Pete Irvine of Unique Events, Creative Director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, says: "With top name acts, and fireworks to make sure we bring in the 2009 with a bang, Edinburgh's Hogmanay offers something for everyone as musicians and DJs, across a number of stages, bring the streets of Edinburgh alive with music and an electric atmosphere."

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festival and Events Champion, City of Edinburgh Council, adds: '£10 for a night of music, fireworks and electric atmosphere is a fantastic deal by anyone's standards, so the promotional offer of £5 per pass is definitely one not to be missed.'

Street Party Passes will be available from 9am on Friday 3 October through the official website: www.edinburghshogmanay.com. Those who register their email at the site in advance will receive an email ahead of the ticket release date with details on how to get them.

Street Party Passes will also be available by calling Edinburgh's Hogmanay box office telephone line on 0844 481 2009. For 2008/9, and due to public demand, the public can get a maximum number of six passes per person, up from the previous four.

• Street Party passes on-sale Friday 3 October, all other Edinburgh's Hogmanay tickets on-sale early November
• The full details of the Edinburgh's Hogmanay programme will be announced at the beginning of November
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a City of Edinburgh Council initiative
• The Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party is produced by Unique Events