More than 50,000 revellers from around the world are expected to arrive in Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve for the city’s Hogmanay celebrations.
Around 40,000 people will celebrate with a “feast of entertainment” in the famous Street Party while the remaining 10,000 will gather in Princes Street Gardens for music headlined by Sharleen Spiteri and Texas.
Revellers will count down to the bells before welcoming 2025 with a six minute long firework spectacular from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle at the Midnight Moment.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival is organised by Edinburgh-based UniqueAssembly on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council at a cost of around £4.5 million.
The four day event attracts around 100,000 people and brings in an estimated £48 to £50 million to the Scottish economy.
Cllr Jane Meagher, the new leader of The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay truly remains the place to be to bring in the bells and this year is no exception as the city celebrates its 900th year.
“For over 30 years, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has welcomed revellers from across the city, the country, and around the world to celebrate the New Year in the heart of the capital.
“It is also a key part of Scotland’s winter tourism calendar, generating over £48 million in economic benefit, with over 100,000 people from over 70 countries anticipated to attend events in the city for the four-day celebrations.
“With so much on offer, for people of all ages, it’s clear to see why Edinburgh’s Hogmanay continues to be a bucket list experience for people around the world.”
Revellers have been urged to “dress for the weather” and stay up to date with forecasts and travel updates.
Penny Dougherty, director of Unique Assembly and Festival Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “With unsettled weather continuing up to Hogmanay, we are monitoring the weather patterns closely and we are receiving regular forecasts from the Met Office for Edinburgh city centre.
“The weather conditions are going to be challenging over the next few days but the forecasts at the moment are looking more favourable for Hogmanay night and we are working tirelessly to give locals and visitors a world class Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to kick start 2025.”
She added: “The Scots showed the world how to party this summer in Germany, and we now invite the world back to ours. Everyone is welcome in Edinburgh – we are the home of Hogmanay.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the largest recurring event in Police Scotland’s calendar.
Chief Supt David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh Division and Gold Commander for Festival Events, said: “Most importantly I want people to have a great evening and to enjoy the Hogmanay celebrations safely.
“We have significant experience in the city, working with our partners Unique Assembly, City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver major events safely but we need people to do their bit as well.
“I am encouraging people to think ahead, think about what they can do to help keep themselves safe, so if you are coming to the Street Party, please make sure you are prepared, make sure you are in possession of your tickets, that you’ve thought about how you will travel to and from the event and think about the weather.
“Be vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, look after yourselves and each other.
“Our overall intention is to support the event organiser and other partners to deliver safe and secure events and hopefully ensure that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are memorable for everyone for all the right reasons.”
The torchlight procession which was due to start the four day celebration on Sunday night was cancelled shortly before, on the grounds of public safety due to high winds. The producers walked the route and assessed it too dangerous to allow the thousands who had paid to take part to proceed with the gusts which they were met with.
A spokesperson for UniqueAssembly said: “The safety of all attending is our top priority and following recent torch tests on the route, the winds are proving too strong to proceed safely.”
