Not Going Out? Only 4% plan to stay at home on Hogmanay

NATION’S NEW YEAR’S EVES PLANS REVEALED

With the UK set for its biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations yet, more than half (54%) of the country already have plans to go out this year, and just 4% plan to stay home and have an early night, according to a new survey by Skiddle

After seriously missing the huge celebration last year, most of those surveyed by the event discovery platform said losing out on the night last year affected their decisions, and as a result are planning even bigger and better parties this December 31st.

Seven in 10 Brits will spend a minimum of £75 on their night out this year, with London, Manchester and Liverpool named as the UK’s best party cities for this year’s NYE celebrations.

One third of the population are aiming to make up for lost time by becoming the ultimate hardcore party goers, and have boasted they’ll be the last ones standing at a house party. Meanwhile, one in ten Brits admit they’ll probably end up in the local kebab shop before stumbling home, whilst 7% reckon their night will end somewhere they’ll regret the next day.

Not all of the UK feels the same though, almost half (43%) of Norwich residents are planning to celebrate their New Year’s Eve how it began – on the sofa.

While London, Manchester and Liverpool took the crown as nightlife capitals, Bristol and Glasgow stake the claim as the UK’s hardest partiers, with more than half of residents in the cities ALWAYS hitting the town to celebrate New Year’s Eve. 

Those expecting a kiss at midnight from a loved one might need to think again as it was also revealed that two thirds of Brits (67%) will spend New Year’s Eve with their mates rather than their partner (28%), although Southampton bucked the trend with one in six planning to ring in the New Year with their sweethearts. In Norwich, one in seven residents (14%) will spend New Year’s alone, while a quarter of Yorkies are opting to spend the quality time with their four-legged friends. 

New Year’s Eve is notoriously known for being an expensive night out, but Skiddle’s research revealed that 7 in 10 Brits will spend a minimum of £75 on their night out this year, and 1 in 10 a minimum of £250, with drinks topping the list for their expenditure. 

Jamie Scahill, Head of Marketing at Skiddle, commented: ‘We are delighted to see that so many people are planning to go out and party this New Year’s Eve, we all have a lot of making up to do after last year being cancelled. Going off our sales data, this could be the biggest New Year’s Eve ever we’ve seen.’

Skiddle, the leading Ticket Sales, Clubs Listings, Events & What’s On Guide website in the UK, surveyed its customers to find the UK’s best party cities and help Brits plan their BEST NIGHT EVER. 

The research revealed that bars and clubs (35%), or live events (28%) are the most popular options, with just 3% of Brits planning to have a quiet one this year. 

To plan a New Year’s Eve to remember (or for the last minute planners), head to Skiddle to view their city guides, detailing the best events this NYE: www.skiddle.com

Schools Out for Summer with Forth 1

Forth 1 DJs, Callum Gallacher and Boogie, are celebrating the end of what has been an unusual school term with the ultimate Schools Out for Summer parties.

There’s no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we learn, work and socialise, but the Forth 1 DJs are refusing to let it change the way we see in the school summer holidays while raising funds for Cash for Kids.

Pupils and listeners across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk will be treated to playlists curated especially by DJ Callum Gallacher and Boogie In the Morning DJ, Boogie, to get the summer vibes started as schools across Scotland break up for the end of term.

Last night, with so many young people across the country unable to mark the occasion with friends and teachers, pupils had the chance to join Callum Gallacher’s Summer Prom – and the partying continues today with Boogie’s Summer Party via Facebook Live from 3pm.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the special shows to hear their favourite summer tunes and the biggest hits, while at the same time having the chance to give shout outs to their friends, school mates and teachers. There will also be an opportunity to donate to Cash For Kids.

Callum Gallacher hosted a School Prom with guest mixes from Friday night GBXperience DJ, George Bowie and Saturday Night Anthems presenter, Garry Spence, from 7pm, for pupils across the country who are finishing up for the summer with no school prom.

Photograph by Martin Shields Tel 07572 457000 www.martinshields.com © Martin Shields

Callum said: “It’s particularly hard for pupils who are finishing up their school careers, knowing that it’s unlikely they’ll have the chance to say a proper goodbye at the end of this very unusual school term.

“There’ll be no shirt signing, no ties on heads, no school prom – we feel for them – so we want to make sure we give them a great night.”

Following the School Prom, listeners can join Boogie on Facebook Live from 3pm today. Boogie In The Morning presenter, Boogie, said: “The last day of school was always the most fun, so we want to make sure pupils across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk aren’t missing out.

“There’s no denying that lockdown has been tough for many young people and at Forth 1 we are trying to bring some sense of normality to our listeners with music, a laugh and a fair bit of daftness! I’m really looking forward to this continuing with our end of term Summer Party!” 

Join Boogie from 3pm on Facebook Live today. Get in touch with  via the Forth 1 Facebook page with your song requests and shout outs to your friends, school and teachers. Find out more about the Schools Out For Summer party here.

Listen to Forth 1 on FM, DAB radio, online, via our app & on your Smart Speaker.

All donations to the Cash for Kids Appeal welcome. Text FORTH TO 70905 or donate online at https://planetradio.co.uk/forth/cashforkids/.

100% of donations will go to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.

Festive Sunshine at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

There’s always plenty of Christmas cheer at the Sunshine Club party!

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The Sunshine Club extended their now customary annual invitation to the Loose Women to share their Christmas party – and party they did (writes James McGinty)!  Continue reading Festive Sunshine at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Police pooh-pooh Porty party plans!

Officers pour cold water over beach party plan

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Police are urging organisers of a beach party to get in touch:

UNLICENSED GATHERING -PORTOBELLO

Local officers in Portobello are aware of social media messages which suggest a beach party will take place on Portobello Beach on Wednesday evening (8 July).

Events such as these require a public entertainment licence and involve lots of planning and consultation to make sure all of those in attendance are kept safe.
So far, our colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council have received no application for a Portobello Beach Party.

We are committed to keeping our communities safe and local policing teams will monitor the area on Wednesday to engage with members of the public and address any issues which may arise.

If anyone is planning a party on Portobello Beach, we would ask that they contact us and the City of Edinburgh Council so we can discuss all the relevant safety matter and ensure appropriate resources are utilised.

All welcome at PYCP Open Afternoon

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Christmas is always a busy time at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, but this year, as well as the usual Christmas parties for different age groups (see below) PYCP are also hosting an Open Afternoon for the wider community to enjoy.

On Friday 20 December we’re promised special performances, Christmas storytelling, food and fun so PYCP’s Green house is the place to be from 12.30 – 2.30pm! All welcome.

PYCP parties

Happy birthday, Tony!

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It was standing room only at North Edinburgh Arts yesterday when local man – and regular NEN contributor – Tony Delahoy celebrated his ninetieth birthday.

Tony, who is originally from London, was joined by friends, family and community colleagues for an afternoon of live music, food and conversation at the Arts Centre. The star of the show remains in good health and has promised to keep those letters coming in for years to come! Speaking of which ….

Dear Editor

According to the Tory/Lib government, because I am now old I am a drain on the economy – a burden on the nation.

Their solution to ease that burden is to restrict what I can buy, by allowing drastic price rises of most items needed, particularly gas and electricity. This continuous lowering of the quality of life will lead to an earlier death for many.

It would seem whatever hardship is imposed, little is being done or can be done; this is wrong thinking – by adding my voice to yours and yours and yours we can, together, change things. Of all people, the elderly know this is a basic truth – it is only through a collective voice that any progress will be made.

This collective voice can be expressed in many ways: through pensioners organisations, forums, trade unions to councillors, MPs and MSPs, demonstrating on issues of concern –  even calling for a boycott of stores that are pushing up prices too steeply. There are so many ways of protesting.

As the numbers of elderly people are growing, so is the power of their vote – and it is essential we use it. All politicians, councillors and officials must be made aware they cannot ignore or sideline our serious concerns.

Tony Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens

Happy birthday, Tony!

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Halloween Party at Millennium Centre

Halloween Party

Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre and Link Up Muirhouse is delighted to announce that on Wednesday the 31st October we are hosting scary but fun-filled Halloween party from 6.30 – 8pm – and you can come too!

On the night we will be dooking for apples, playing games, enjoying some art as well as awarding the best dressed with a small prize.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre or North Edinburgh Arts Centre during opening hours, you can also call Julie on 07794467053 for information. Ticket only cost £1 per child to a maximum of £3. So if you have 4 children in your family you will only pay for 3, we felt this was fair to larger families.  We have 90 tickets for sale, available on a first come for serve basis – so get them quick before they sell out! When purchasing tickets we require a registration form completed by parent or carer.

Tickets must be bought prior to the 31 October part – No ticket, no entrance.

Parents and carers are more than welcome to remain at the Centre for the duration of the party, the Centre café will be open for sales of light refreshments.

The spooky Muirhouse ladies who have arranged this party with the guidance and support of Link Up and Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre hope that every child has a wonderful time and they hope to welcome many children back to future parties in Muirhouse!

Robert Pearson

 

Leith celebrates Diamond Jubilee

Over 25 residents took part in a Diamond Jubilee celebration at St Nicholas Court Sheltered Housing Complex in Leith on Sunday. Residents and staff at the Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) dressed in their finery and enjoyed afternoon tea, including celebratory champagne, as they watched the floatilla on Sunday. There was also a Royal Quiz and music at the event.

Resident Margaret McKinlay remembers the Queen’s coronation in 1952. She said: “I have fond memories of the day the Queen was crowned and am delighted that we have been able to celebrate that today in such a fun way with the other residents.”

PoLHA’s other sheltered housing complexes at Hermitage and Jameson Place were also celebrating. Maureen Tait who manages St Nicholas Court said: “We had a lovely day and it’s fantastic to bring everyone together to make this jubilee a celebration to remember.”