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Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival 2008
Dates for 2008: 29 Dec. - 1 JanFor tickets call +44(0)131 473 2000
For general information call +44(0)131 529 3914
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Celebrations is by far Europe's largest and most vibrant New Year Celebrations, spectacularly set beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh's ancient fortress, Edinburgh Castle. This internationally renowned annual event plays host to a four day programme of stunning free and ticketed events running from the 29th of December to the 1st of January every year.
Details of each year's events are not unveiled to the public until November, and each line-up has been sensational over the past five years or so, featuring musicians and groups of international renown such as Blondie, The Scissor Sisters and REM amongst others. Entry to the concerts is only with valid tickets which can be purchased from the Edinburgh Hogmanay Website or by turning up in person at the box office in Princes Street Gardens. Accommodation in Edinburgh for the Hogmanay Festival can be booked at GNWS website by using our simple to use online booking system.
The highlights to Edinburgh's Hogmanay Celebrations include the Torchlight Procession and Fire Festival, a magically effervescent spectacle of light weaving its way through the historic streets of Scotland's Capital. The procession leaves at 6.30pm from Parliament Square and funds from torch sales are donated to charity. The Night Afore International is a vibrant and eclectic blend of entertainment that takes place on the 30 December every year. Edinburgh's George Street is enlivened with a sea of colour and a spectacular thundering of sound transforming Edinburgh's New Town into an exhilarating fiesta of effervescent street theatre, live music and dancing.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Street Party on New Year's Eve is the ultimate spectacle to Edinburgh's Hogmanay Celebrations and is undoubtedly the largest event of its kind in Europe, drawing in thousands of revellers from all over the UK and corners of the globe. Other events on the night include the impressively choreographed Seven Hill Fireworks Display illuminating Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. Top Acts and DJs are on stage annually at the ticketed Princes Street Gardens Hogmanay Concert and for those seeking a more sedate affair to welcome the New Year; a beautiful candlelight concert is staged annually at St Giles Cathedral in the Royal Mile.
For something traditionally Scottish, The historic Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh's George Street plays host to the sensational New Year Revels featuring all the core elements for an Edinburgh's Hogmanay party under one roof. There are three rooms of live music to keep you dancin' till the wee small hours, showcasing the finest traditional Scottish music in the Ceilidh Room, live bands, DJs and the legendary Haggis Bar to toast the New Year with friends. This event is for over 18s only due to licensing laws.
Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland have a longstanding tradition of celebrating New Year more enthusiastically than other parts of the UK. Following the reformation in the 16th Century, the suspiciously catholic-sounding Christmas celebrations were banned in Scotland, however, New Year celebrations were accepted which meant that Hogmanay soon became Scotland and indeed Edinburgh's leading winter celebrations.
The fervent and solemn Scottish Calvinists from the 16th Century would be probably shocked to learn that they had unintentionally founded Europe's largest street parties. Although, today's form of Edinburgh's Hogmanay Celebrations was effectively established in 1992 and this civic festivity has increased exponentially, drawing in thousands over the four day annual event. Why not sample Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party for yourself where you can bring in the New Year with a bang.
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