Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Hogmanay is the celebration of the New Year for the Scots, and any introduction to this event will normally use superlatives—grandest, greatest, most fun, biggest, loudest—you name it. With these words in mind, you will already have an idea of how this place will celebrate the coming year.
There are many different styles of New Year Celebrations all over the world, and the Scottish way of doing it has driven millions into celebrating it in this country every year. During Hogmanay, the celebration will not end at mindnight–the festivities will stretch on for days. Hogmanay is celebrated in all parts of Scotland, but one of the best places to celebrate this event is in Edinburgh, the country’s capital.
source: lesault.net
At Edinburgh‘s Hogmanay, the celebration will happen for three days. This winter festival is something that could take on any New Year’s celebration anywhere in the world. With performances by bands seen by hyper crowds, games, dancing, and some of the best fireworks display you’ll ever see, this sure is one of the best ways to celebrate the year to come.
source: edinburgh-scotland.net
To welcome 2012, the festival—which will begin on the 30th of December this year—will run until the 1st of January. To begin the festivities, visitors will witness the famous and beautiful Torchlight Procession, where people will carry torches (from Parliament Square) to light up a wide stretch of the place—from the Royal Mile to the Son et Lumiere. Over at Calton Hill, a display of breathtaking fireworks will also be seen.
source: ezdb.co.uk
This year, the famous Concert in the Gardens will feature Primal Scream and many other world-famous Scottish and international acts. The band will be performing songs from their album Screamadelica and other hits that will surely make both fans and new listeners have the grandest time. There will also special guest bands: Bombay Bicycle Club, Sons and Daughters, and Matt Norris & the Moon.
source: gh0stparties.com
One of the most exciting celebration spots will happen at Princes Street, where one the country’s biggest street party will happen. The different stages will feature bands like The Vaccines, Friendly Fires, Mark Ronson, The Cuban Brothers, X-Factors Jade Richards, Kassidy, William Douglas, Discopolis, and Frisky & Mannish. There will be another party that will happen at an exclusive area: The Keilid is where you’ll witness and celebrate a more traditional way of welcoming the year. Here, there will be a Ceilidh Caller to teach you the right moves, and some amazing traditional Scottish music.
source: kimboltonfireworks.blogspot.com
Over at the beautiful St. Giles Cathedral, there will also be a concert under candlelight, celebrating the music of Handel and Mozart. With these classical tunes and the beautiful music of the St Giles Cathedral Choir, visitors will definitely have a heartwarming and music-filled evening welcoming the new year.
If you think that the party stops at night with all the bands, fireworks, and dancing, think again. Over at the Queensferry Loony Dook, there will be a celebration of the annual splash in the River Forth. The amazing thing about this is that this side of the celebration has raised lots of money for charities all over the United Kingdom, so not only would you be able to have the best time—you will also get to take part in helping out.
source: onthegotours.com
These are just some of the things in store for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011 / 2012. Being there will be something that will definitely give all visitors a New Year’s welcome like no other. Are you all ready to welcome 2012? Where do you plan to spend your New Year’s celebration?