Edinburgh marks 30th anniversary of Hogmanay celebrations

The city will see a four-day takeover of events from Friday this week

Author: Kara ConwayPublished 28th Dec 2023
Last updated 29th Dec 2023

Preparations are under way to mark the 30th anniversary of Edinburgh's traditional Hogmanay celebrations.

A ticketed concert and street party has taken place in the Scottish capital since 1993.

The city will see a four-day takeover of events from Friday this week, including the return of the torchlight procession for the first time since 2019.

The popular torchlight procession will return this year

Up to 20,000 participants are expected to trail through the Old Town on Friday evening, starting at the Meadows and led by Shetland's Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad.

The Concert in the Gardens will be headlined by Britpop legends Pulp, and will kick off at 9pm on Hogmanay.

Up to 40,000 revellers from across the globe will pack into Princes Street for the world-famous street party to see in the new year.

The headline set will be punctuated by fireworks from Edinburgh Castle at midnight, marking the start of 2024.

Cammy Day, leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: "I'm sure I speak for the whole city when I say how excited I am for the 30th anniversary edition of Edinburgh's Hogmanay.

"From the incredible torchlight procession through to Pulp seeing us into 2024, and so much more, we're really fortunate to have such excellent events on offer for our residents and visitors.

"Not only is Hogmanay an Edinburgh institution but it is also a major contributor to our city's economy, providing jobs and commercial opportunities for our local residents and businesses.

"This is a time where we can celebrate the best of our city as one year closes and look ahead with pride and positivity to the next.

"I want to thank the organisers, our partners and of course council colleagues who have worked tirelessly on this event and will continue to in the coming days.

"I wish everyone in the capital a fantastic Hogmanay and a very happy new year."

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