The Edinburgh International Festival and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra launched a new Friend of the Festival Fireworks Concert scheme today. The first 1,500 donors will gain priority entry to the 2012 Virgin Money Fireworks Concert when they purchase tickets which, says the EIF, could mean seats in the Ross Bandstand or securing a better viewing spot in Princes Street Gardens.
As well as individual Friends of the Fireworks, local businesses and hotels, many of whom hold Firework Concert parties, will also have the opportunity to become Corporate Friends for a £150 donation.
Those who become Friends will be acknowledged as a personal donor and Friend with thanks on the 2012 Virgin Money Fireworks Concert website and at next year’s concert.
Corporate Friends will see their Fireworks Concert parties mentioned on the Fireworks website and be acknowledged as a corporate friend in the 2012 concert programme.
To join, future Friends of the Fireworks can text FIREWORKS to 70500 and make a donation of £5 or an unlimited donation online.
A spokesperson for the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert said "It’s such a popular event, enjoyed from vantage points across the city as part of residents’ annual calendar of occasions to look forward to, that we wanted to offer a further opportunity to get involved with the event and, of course, to secure the perfect viewing spot for the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert in 2012."
Fireworks are already being placed at Edinburgh Castle for the event, the grand finale of the Edinburgh Festival, this Sunday at 9pm.
The final release of tickets is on Saturday morning, although the EIF says "a handful of returns means that there are even some available right now for the Gardens".