Tag: torchlight procession

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicks off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with Torchlight Procession creating river of fire in the capital

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night (29 December) as Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city’s Torchlight Procession alongside Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad, igniting four days of New Year celebrations in the capital. 

Fresh from an exhilarating year that saw Scotland’s national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Gordon’s appearance at the helm of the procession in his hometown marked a powerful moment of Scottish pride as 2025 draws to a close.

The local hero and Hearts No.1 played a key role in Scotland securing their first World Cup place in 28 years in an action-packed game against Denmark, with the Tartan Army heading to the US in 2026 to take on Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

Over 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators took part in the spectacular Torchlight Procession which is supported by presenting partners EventScotland, part of Visit Scotland, following Gordon’s lead and weaving a dramatic river of fire through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town in support of local and national charities One City Trust, When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. 

£2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly to make a difference in communities across Edinburgh and Scotland. Along with other ticket donations from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events, the festival has already raised over £40,000 for the local charities and will continue to fundraise over the coming days. 

The fiery festivities began in the Meadows, where participants of all ages enjoyed a host of entertainment including live street theatre, pipe bands and drummers. A firm favourite with families, locals and visitors alike, the Torchlight Procession is rooted in Celtic and Norse traditions aimed at banishing winter darkness and welcoming in the New Year.  

Scotland International Craig Gordon was joined by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad in guiding the crowd through the capital, finishing with a fiery finale beneath Edinburgh Castle before revellers headed to the official Torchlight After Party at Assembly Rooms, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway, for a night of live music and DJs featuring Edinburgh bands Swim School, Waverley. and Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite.  

The Torchlight Procession is the start of the world’s New Year celebrations, as well as Edinburgh’s four-day celebrations, with festivities running until 1 January. 

On 30 December, Assembly Rooms hosts a night of side-splitting comedy at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, and a very special acoustic gig from Glasvegas, while Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert in West Princes Street Gardens, supported by RuMac and Levi Heron.  

On the 31 December, Wet Leg headline the iconic Concert in the Gardens, supported by Scottish stars Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys, with 2manydjs and Valtos bringing the beats at the legendary Street Party alongside a traditional Scottish stage hosting Valtos, The Poozies and more. 

New Years Day will welcome First Footin’, the free, live music trail spanning the city’s Old and New Towns, as well as Muckle be the Light, a cultural recap with poet Michael Pederson, Garbage singer Shirley Manson and guest speaker Nicola Sturgeon, as well as a day of free family fun at Sprogmanay. 

Many events are already sold-out, so those looking to join the celebrations are advised to grab their tickets fast to avoid disappointment. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of EdinburghCouncil and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund throughCreative Scotland, and EventScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay line-up, as well tickets and set times, can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Air restriction in place for Torchlight Parade in Edinburgh from 5pm today

As part of the policing operation for the Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival a temporary airspace restriction will be in place covering the city centre between 5pm on Monday, 29 December, to 1am on Tuesday, 30 December, 2025, for security and public safety.

It will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2000ft above sea level and within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle.

Restrictions include drones.

More: https://skywise.caa.co.uk/alerts/restricted-airspace-temporary-edinburgh-29-december-2025-01-january-2026-drone-only/

Details by NOTAM and in a Briefing Sheet BFS 076/2025 on the NATS website.

Countdown to Capital’s Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns from 29 December 2024 into New Year’s Day, welcoming the world to party into 2025 at the ‘Home of Hogmanay!’

Launching the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival and signalling the start of global New Year celebrations, the Torchlight Procession will take place on 29th December from 18:30 hours from the Meadows.

If you have plans to attend any of the Hogmanay events please make sure to plan ahead , being mindful of weather forecast and travel arrangements.

For all the latest updates and FAQ’s regarding Edinburgh’s Hogmanay please visit:

Hogmanay | https://orlo.uk/EBQPM

We hope everyone who joins the celebrations from near and far has a wonderful time!

POLICE SCOTLAND

Torchlight procession returns to kick off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay four-day 30th anniversary celebrations

TICKETS ON SALE NOW 

www.edinburghshogmanay.com 

Edinburgh Hogmanay’s world-renowned Torchlight Processionis set to make a return for this year’s 30th anniversary celebrations for the first time since 2019, blazing a trail on a brand-new route through the city’s Old Town, before a fiery final location beneath the majestic gaze of Edinburgh Castle.

The event marks the start of New Year celebrations around the world as organisers join forces with presenting partner EventScotland and local charity Social Bite partner, shining a light on homelessness, to kick-off four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivities with this iconic event. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is produced by Unique Assembly, presented on behalf of Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council.  

The spectacular event will see up to 20,000 participants carry a torch on a brand-new route, creating a stunning river of fire throughout Scotland’s capital.

The procession will begin at the Meadows for the first time ever, where guests will enjoy a host of entertainment while collecting their torches, with live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers to start the Hogmanay celebrations early. The family friendly event will bring a carnival atmosphere to the Meadows before the ceremonial Torchlight Procession embarks on its new route.  

Thousands of torch carriers will set off on the new route up Middle Meadow Walk, crossing George IV Bridge and making their way along Johnston Terrace before reaching a picturesque finishing point on Castle Terrace beneath Edinburgh Castle.

The new route will see the procession pass some of the capital’s most famous landmarks including the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Tolbooth Kirk, the National Library of Scotland and much more.

Leading the procession through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town will be Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad, who previously made history when they appointed their first ever female Jarl.  

For the first time at the family-friendly event, performers from Edinburgh’s Beltane Society and more will delight crowds in the Meadows at the start of the event with entertainment from 6pm. The Torchlight Procession will then move off on its journey through the capital at 7.30pm, ending underneath Edinburgh Castle on Castle Terrace at 8.30pm – 9pm.  

Marking the start of New Year celebrations around the world, the Torchlight Procession has become one of Edinburgh Hogmanay’s most iconic events, joining forces with acclaimed homelessness charity Social Bite to raise vital funds to help those most in need this winter.

With an anticipated sell-out event ahead, organisers aim to raise over £50,000 throughout the festival to fund Social Bite projects tackling homelessness, with £2 from each Torch sold and £1.50 from Procession tickets donated directly to the charity.  

The atmospheric event starts four days of celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, as revellers enjoy the incredible hospitality of Edinburgh and mark the closing of another year. 

On 29 December Edinburgh’s iconic New Town venue Assembly Rooms welcomes an all-star comedy line-up with Ho Ho Hogmanay featuring Susie McCabe & Fred MacAulay; Edinburgh’s Blue Rose Code and special guests present an evening of Scottish Folk, Soul and Americana at the Night Afore Hoolie  in the Assembly Rooms on 30 December; and the internationally acclaimed ABBA sensations Björn Again headline the Night Afore Disco Party with Greatest Hits Radio in Princes Street Gardens. On 31 December celebrations begin early with Bairns New Year Revels at Assembly Rooms.

The tranquil Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral is already sold-out, kicking off the evening’s proceedings; Edinburgh’s original indoor Hogmanay party; the New Year Revels returns to Assembly Rooms with a night of live music and ceilidh dancing; and 50,000 party-goers ring in the bells at Edinburgh’s world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens headlined by cultural icons Pulp, and with limited tickets remaining, organisers are encouraging revellers to book now to avoid disappointment.

Finally, on 01 January Edinburgh’s Hogmanay hosts a day of free entertainment across the city with its First Footin’ Culture Trail, Sprogmanay, and Family Ceilidh events. 

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of the Torchlight Procession, kicking off four days of fantastic Hogmanay revelries across the city as part of this year’s 30th anniversary celebrations.  

“Events play an important role in our communities, enabling us all to connect and share memorable experiences. The Torchlight Procession along with the wider Hogmanay programme offers a uniquely authentic cultural experience for both visitors and locals to come and enjoy, and I look forward joining everyone on 29 December as we blaze a trail on the brand-new route.” 

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see the return of the Torchlight Procession and the new route to this year’s Hogmanay celebrations.

“This element of the programme was always extremely popular with residents and visitors alike and I’m sure it will be again this year for the 30th anniversary celebrations. 

“I’m also really pleased to see the partnership work between the organisers and Social Bite, to raise vital funds and awareness for their excellent work supporting vulnerable people in Edinburgh and more widely across the country. 

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and our wider Winter Festivals are cornerstones of our globally acclaimed cultural calendar and I’m sure that this year’s special anniversary edition will once again be a success.” 

Al Thomson, Co-Director UniqueAssembly, who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “Hogmanay is a time for celebration and reflection, heralding in new beginnings and opportunities for the coming year, with many making New Year resolutions to help make things better for others.

“Working in partnership with our friends at Social Bite, we want to help their fight to end homelessness across Scotland, giving those who have fallen on hard times the chance of new beginnings and opportunities in 2024.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring back the Torchlight Procession for our 30th anniversary celebrations with support from EventScotland, and would encourage everyone to join us, carrying a torch for charity and shining a light on homelessness in Scotland. 

Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations are available www.edinburghshogmanay.com.  

Pulp to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

  • ICONS PULP TO HEADLINE CONCERT IN THE GARDENS 
  • STREET PARTY PROGRAMME EXPANDED FOR 40,000 REVELLERS 
  • ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 30th ANNIVERSARY STREET PARTY CELEBRATIONS  

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today announced that cultural icons PULP will headline the 30th Anniversary Concert in the Gardens on Sunday 31 December, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into 2024 at the world-famous New Year festival. 

Following a surprise 2023 reunion and run of sell-out summer shows, Pulp’s headline appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay marks the Sheffield band’s first live show in the capital for over 20 years, where they will perform the last show of 2023 and first of 2024, bringing in the bells beneath the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. 

Fronted by Jarvis Cocker, Pulp has provided the soundtrack to a generation, and Concert in the Gardens promises a hit filled set of career spanning pop anthems including Common People, Disco 2000, and Do You Remember the First Time? 

Performing beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle amidst one of the world’s greatest New Year firework displays, Pulp will once again help make Edinburgh the best New Year party on the planet. 

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker said: “When your grandkids ask: “Do you remember the first time Pulp played Edinburgh’s Hogmanay?” What will your answer be? Come along and start 2024 in the very best way possible. Oh, yes!” 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party (31 December) also welcomes 40,000 revellers into Edinburgh city centre and Princes Street, to party their way into 2024 with friends old and new from around the world, counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment. 

Street Party revellers won’t miss out on Pulp’s headline set, with the full performance and DJ soundtracks being broadcast to screens throughout Princes Street in the Pop Zone with spectacular effects, to create one massive city centre party.  

The Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge, presents a night of foot stompin’ music from across Scotland, headlined by the award-winning Elephant Sessions, joined by the incredible Kinnaris Quintet, and opening with an exhilarating hour of energetic ceilidh dancing from the islands with the Hannah Fisher Band. 

The Disco Zone hosted by Silent Adventures will see 4,000 participants enjoy a giant outdoor Silent Disco with tunes from across 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, battling alongside the biggest floor fillers from a host of DJ’s throughout the night. And to celebrate 30 years of the Street Party, the best in live Street Theatre, drummers, pipers, vintage funfair rides, food and drink, will once again create a carnival atmosphere throughout the city centre leading up to the bells. 

Directors of Unique Assembly, who create and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Reaching the milestone 30th anniversary for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a phenomenal achievement, which which since 1993 has welcomed millions of party people to celebrate at the Home of Hogmanay.

“We wanted to make sure that this year was extra special for our audiences and are thrilled to welcome Pulp to the party.

“This will be the hottest ticket in town, and we recommend people grab their tickets fast to make sure they don’t miss out”. 

An expanded four-day programme of world-class events will run from Friday 29 December 2023 – Monday 1 January 2024, kicking-off celebrations on 29 December. 

The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme and ticket details will be released in the coming weeks, but other confirmed events taking place over the four-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 festival include the return of the Torchlight Procession (29 Dec) with presenting partner EventScotland and in support of homeless charity Social Bite, the Night Afore Disco Party (30 Dec) beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a packed programme of free New Year’s Day events for young and old, with the return of the First Footin’ culture trail, welcoming artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, and Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town.  

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners EventScotland, Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th Anniversary celebrations for Scotland. 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The excellent news that pop-pioneers Pulp are set to headline the 30th Anniversary Concert in the Gardens, as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, is testament to the international reputation that our city and festivals command.  

“After the difficult years of the pandemic, I’m overjoyed that our festivals are back to their brilliant best and providing such high calibre cultural offerings for our residents and visitors.        

“I would like to thank Unique Assembly and all our other fantastic partners who have worked so hard on delivering our winter festivals. This year’s New Year’s Eve festivities are set to be some of the finest that Edinburgh has ever seen,  

“I’m sure we’ll all fondly remember the first time that Pulp will see Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh into 2024.”   

VisitScotland Director of Events, Paul Bush OBE said: “Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations are the perfect way to ring in the New Year.

“Whether it’s taking part in the Torchlight Procession, dancing away to pop heroes Pulp or First Footin through the city centre, this year’s expanded four-day programme offer the chance for friends and family to connect, enjoy and share in a number of memorable experiences. 

“EventScotland is proud to be continuing its support of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay as it celebrates it 30th anniversary. Having events of this scale in our calendar reinforces our position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.” 

Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests to be announced, takes place on Sunday 31 December 2023 in West Princes Street Gardens, from 9pm to 12.50am.  Tickets go on general release Friday 29 September at 10.00am from www.edinburghshogmanay.com priced from £75.00 inc. booking fees and 50p charity donation.

A limited Concert in the Gardens pre-sale is available to those registered with www.edinburghshogmanay.com and will begin Thursday 28 September at 10am.   

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party tickets are on-sale now priced £28.50 inc. fees and charity donation, and discounted EH Postcode Resident Street Party Tickets £23.50 inc. fees and charity donation.

Tickets for the Street Party Silent Disco with Silent Adventure are priced £7.50 inc. fees and require a full Street Party ticket to purchase. Spaces for the Silent Disco Zone are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

50p from every Concert in the Gardens and Street Party ticket purchased will be donated to homeless charity Social Bite, and additional online donations can be made when purchasing tickets. 

Tickets for both the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession events are available from 10am, Friday 25 August from:

www.edinburghshogmanay.com. 

Details of further Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 events will be announced in October. 

Underbelly to introduce additional Covid-19 safety measures across it’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme

29 December – 1 January

Edinburghís Hogmanay Street paty.Photo David Cheskin.31.12.18

Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have announced that all ticket holders will be required to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test from the day of the ticketed event to gain access to Party at the Bells, the Torchlight Procession, all concerts that are part of the Scottish music programme in Greyfriars Kirk and the Loony Dook.

Underbelly’s additional safety measures go over and above the latest Scottish Government guidance, as part of a continued commitment to providing a safe and great Hogmanay for the city of Edinburgh.

The updated Edinburgh’s Hogmanay safety measures include:

The Torchlight Procession: Thursday, 30 December

All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow on the day of the event (30 December) when collecting their torches from one of the three pick up locations.

Ticket holders must register their test result through the government website and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.

Scottish Music Programme at Greyfriars Kirk – 29 – 31 December

All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event that they are attending at entry to Greyfriars Kirk. Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.

A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending. Additionally, Scottish Music Programme attendees at Greyfriars Kirk will be required to wear a face covering while enjoying the entertainment and will be asked to scan the Scottish Government Test and Trace QR code upon entering the venue.

Party at the Bells – Friday, 31 December, 10pm-1am

Underbelly will be opening the Box Office from Tuesday, 27th December for ticket holders to collect their official tickets and wristbands. Upon collection, members of the public will be required to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours or their vaccine passport.

Additionally, all Party at the Bells attendees will need to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event at an entry point into Party at the Bells to gain access to the event on 31 December. This applies to Street Access, Garden Access and Premium Access ticket holders.

Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here for anyone attending.

Loony Dook – Saturday, 1st January, 10:30am 

Participants must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow result at the South Queensferry registration point.

The lateral flow test must be taken on the morning of the event and registered negative through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.

A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: “Underbelly continues to work daily with the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council and agencies to deliver a safe and a great Hogmanay. 

“With safety at the heart of everything we do, we have decided proactively to introduce additional measures that are designed to protect our audiences, artists and employees to keep them safe.

“We and all agencies are working hard to deliver the event and to welcome audiences to Princes Street, placing Scotland at the forefront of the world’s new year events.”

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson of City of Edinburgh Council added: “Our absolute priority will always be the health and wellbeing of the public, staff and the city as a whole.

“We’re continually reviewing and updating our plans for Hogmanay in the face of the changing circumstances posed by the pandemic and these additional measures will help to ensure that our events are as safe as possible.”

Now, controlling those Christmas Market numbers – Ed. …

Details revealed for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay opening event

Underbelly has revealed details of the Torchlight Procession

The Torchlight Procession
On 30th December, the historic streets at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town will flow with a flaming river of light as thousands gather for the magical Torchlight Procession in partnership with VisitScotland, providing a spectacular start to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Continue reading Details revealed for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay opening event