EDI_December14 18

Torchlight Procession

Hogmanay buses

Hogmanay Ice Hockey

Massed Fiddles at the Usher Hall

At the Museum this Hogmanay

 

Photo Lloyd Smith
Photo Lloyd Smith

The three day event that has become Edinburgh’s Hogmanay starts today with a torchlight procession up to Calton Hill. Torches were already sold out by last week.  The arrangements are that if you wish to join in the procession then you can but you will not be able to buy a torch unless you have already done so or can get some of those available later today. The procession begins in the Old Town on George IV Bridge and makes its way to Calton Hill where there will be fireworks around 8.15pm.

Gather at George IV Bridge start position from 6.15pm
Torchlight Procession leaves George IV Bridge 7pm
Free Event to participate in Torchlight Procession
To carry a torch please book in advance:
Torch Vouchers – TORCHES SOLD-OUT
Limited availability of Torches on the day – Book NOW to avoid disappointment!
Procession from George IV Bridge to Waterloo Pl and Calton Hill
Finale Fireworks at 8.15pm approx.

Last year’s event welcomed over 35,000 participants and spectators, joining the Up Helly Aa’ Vikings, massed pipes & drums and thousands of torch carriers as they illuminate the city from the start position on George IV Bridge to the finale viewing areas at Waterloo Place and Calton Hill.

The Torchlight Procession fireworks finale can be viewed across the city and beyond!

The organisers ask you to note the following:

  • Torchlight Procession is an outdoor event using wax-based torches, please dress appropriately
  • Wax from torches can blow onto clothing when windy, please dress appropriately
  • You don’t need to get on Calton Hill! Access to Calton Hill is limited and will be closed when full. Firework finale viewing position also from Waterloo Place.

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Details of the bus service which will get you home to Kirkliston, Ratho, Dalmeny and South Queensferry tomorrow night after the Hogmanay celebrations are here.

Stagecoach is running a free bus service leaving Edinburgh from Queensferry Street at Drumsheugh Place until the early hours.

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There is a tradition between Fife Flyers and Edinburgh Capitals to play each other on Hogmanay. Tomorrow the match is at Murrayfield which is a hop skip and a jump from the city centre by bus or tram.

Get along to Murrayfield for the Hogmanay Hockey match which starts at 4pm. Booking details on the Caps website.

Listen to Riley Emmerson the enforcer at Edinburgh Capitals here.

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Tonight at the Usher Hall there will be a great big noisy fiddle concert. Here is what they say on the Usher hall website:

On show will be massed fiddlers, along with the spectacular sight and sounds of singers, dancers and a pipe band. Thrill to the playing of lively jigs and reels, strathspeys, beautiful slow airs and well-known songs.  The music is all firmly in the Scottish tradition but with a few surprises!

Under the baton of Blair Parham, the SFO’s brilliant young conductor, the show will include the orchestra’s own spell-binding arrangements featuring around one hundred musicians including a local pipe band.

The host of the show will be the inimitable TV gardener and broadcaster, Jim McColl MBE  who will apply his own unique blend of humour and anecdotes to the evening.

The SFO has delighted audiences both in the UK and internationally. This stirring event will appeal to Scottish music enthusiasts and visitors to Scotland alike and will be an unforgettable highlight of your Hogmanay celebrations.

 Tickets and booking details here.

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TER MM MuseumActivities for a variety of ages at the Museum over the next day or so:

Christmas Art Competition

27 – 30 December

10:30-16:30

Free (drop-in)

Be inspired by the objects in the museum and get drawing.  Take part in our popular annual art event suitable for all ages and abilities. Basic materials and lots of encouragement provided.

 

Hogmanay Family Celidh

31 December

14:00-15:30

Free (drop-in)

Enjoy an afternoon of whirling and birling for all ages with the Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band. It’s enthusiasm not experience that counts!

 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: Scot:Lands

1 January 2015

12:00-17:00

Free

Artists and musicians welcome in the New Year at surprising and atmospheric venues in Edinburgh’s Old Town and beyond. Begin your journey of discovery at the Home:Land, the National Museum of Scotland.

More information about these activities here on the museum website.

If you are reading this article on paper and would like to visit the website then scan the QR code above with a smartphone or tablet and you will be taken straight there.

 

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.