Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations were launched tonight - a day later than in previous years - with a spectacular Torchlight Procession through the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Organisers said that a record crowd estimated at over 25,000 including 5000 torch carriers, were led by the Up Helly Aa’ Vikings from Shetland and five pipe bands to the burning of the effigy of a Viking boat and a spectacular Son et Lumière display on Calton Hill.
The opening event in Resolution Square, the newly named event space outside the National Gallery of Scotland, featured performances from Brian Kellock and Aidan O’Rourke, together with Toby Shippey and Malinky and welcomed thousands of revellers from around the world to start their Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh.
Lord Provost George Grubb said in his opening speech “I can’t think of a better place in the world than Edinburgh to spend the New Year. Our world famous celebrations are broadcast across the globe. I want to extend a very warm welcome to all participating in the Torchlight Procession and especially to those who are visiting the city for Hogmanay.”
Pete Irvine, Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said “It’s great to start the four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with a record breaking crowd for the Torchlight Procession. We’ve started the New Year celebrations around the world and shown people that Edinburgh once again is the place to be for Hogmanay.”
Follow the Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations here with us, as they continue tomorrow with the Street Party, for which tickets are still available at the official box office, The Hub; and then with a programme of events to celebrate One Day on 1st January, including the Resolution Concert featuring KT Tunstall.
More on Edinburgh's Hogmanay events