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Hogmanay
Edinburgh, Scotland 29 December–1 January
Christmas? What’s that? In Scotland, it’s all about New Year, and Edinburgh’s world-renowned Hogmanay is one of the biggest and best ways to ring in the new. Up to 100,000 revellers congregate for an almighty shindig and to hear top pop acts such as Pet Shop Boys or Blondie. It’s a raucous celebration, taking over the whole city centre, and midnight heralds the ancient tradition of getting acquainted with anyone within snogging distance. The build-up is civilized enough: a candlelit concert and ceilidh take place in Princes Street Gardens earlier on, and there’s the Night Afore International on 30 December, and the pretty Torchlight Processions on the 29th. But when the fireworks go off at midnight on the 31st, the entire city explodes into celebration.
Highlights
The Royal Bank Street Party on Princes Street on New Year’s Eve is the big event, and the one that draws the crowds. For quirk factor, we like to cheer on Dogmanay, a husky race at Holyrood Park on New Year’s Day, or watch the fearless and the foolhardy take a celebratory dip into the chilly Forth at Loony Dook, also on New Year’s Day.
In The Know
Head Count
Up to 100,000 attend the Royal Bank Street Party, and then some, so expect a sardine-style experience.
Meeting Point
There are no official meeting places, but the site is divided into sections with clear entrances and exits. Try the entrance to the Concert In the Gardens, on the corner of Princes Street and the Mound, opposite the Scottish Royal Academy of Art. The first-aid area at the Scott Monument is also hard to miss.
Best View
Fireworks displays take place on each of the seven hills that surround the city, so you're bound to see something. The best vantage point is up towards the top of the Mound, near the castle.
Packing Tips
Winter woollies, something to keep you dry if it rains, and a hip-flask, so you can dip in for a ‘wee dram’.
Escape
It’s still a place to ‘hooley’, but the Ceilidh in the Gardens is less full-on than the main party, and is a better option for claustrophobes.
Dos and don'ts
• Have a pre-party recce and decide which pub you’re going to go to after midnight. Many close their doors to all but ticket-holders, and wandering the streets looking for a warm haven is not a good way to start a new year.
• Learn the words to Auld Lang Syne before you go and you'll be able to yell along with pride.
• Make like the locals and stock up on Irn-Bru, the Scottish answer to many ailments and a perfect morning-after tipple.
• Don’t rely on your mobile phone. Almost all networks will be jammed for a few hours around midnight, so make your plans before then.
• There are toilet facilities available all along Princes Street, so don’t take temporary leave of your decorum and join those who think it’s fine to use the street.
Need To Know
Children
The NYE mayhem isn’t suitable for young children, but there are other, free, child-friendly events. The Night Afore, on December 30, sees street theatre and live music along George Street, and the Iron Kids’ Duathlon in Holyrood Park on January 1 will get them absolutely exhausted. See www.edinburghshogmanay.org for details.
Parking
You won’t be able to park in the city centre. Take advantage of the free night bus services on New Year’s Eve.
Disability Access
There are plenty of points of access, and not too many steps in the main area, but it gets very crowded. There will be an area set aside for wheelchairs within the West Gardens for the Concert in the Gardens.
Food & Drink
Limber up for the evening at Rick’s on Frederick Street, where you can sample a selection of winter-themed cocktails (0131 622 7801; www.ricksedinburgh.co.uk). Be sure to leave in time to hit the streets before the party kicks off at 22h. There are plenty of stalls along Princes Street selling cold and hot drinks, including mulled wine. The food available ain’t gourmet, but there are excellent restaurants nearby. We like the rather grand Italian Centotre on George Street (0131 225 1550; www.centotre.com), where the cocktails are also ace.
Sleep
Edinburgh’s not short on boutique places to stay, many with quirky appeal. Buzzing and sumptuous city hangout Tigerlily serves up a lavish Hogmanay dinner and throws a masquerade ball in its club, Lulu. Or check into stylish B&B One Royal Circus, a Georgian beauty with a grand piano, pool table and table football in its drawing room-cum-bar. For more details and to book, go to www.mrandmrssmith.com, or ring the booking line on 0845 034 0701.
VIP
Not applicable at this event.
More Details
www.edinburghshogmanay.org
