How Hogmanay changed New Years Eve for Me (Edinburgh Hogmanay)

Member Name: cstag

Product:	Edinburgh Hogmanay
Date:	22/02/09 (127 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Three Days of Party Fun for the Whole Family

Disadvantages: It was a bit chilly!

Yes, I know it's early to be thinking about your New Years Eve celebrations, but if your anything like me, then you have always found New Years Eve to be a little bit rubbish.

If you venture near pubs and clubs then you often have to pay inflated amounts to get in and then you spend hours queuing at the bar. You find that there is so much emphasis on enjoying yourself on this special night - that you really don't enjoy yourself at all!

However, Hogmanay in Edinburgh changed all that for me.

To put it plainly, the Scots know how to enjoy New Years Eve - not just on the big night itself but in the days running up to it as well. Hogmanay in Edinburgh offers entertainment and fun for people of all ages.

Two nights before New Years Eve, there is the annual, early evening torchlight procession through the streets of Edinburgh. Young and old gather on the Royal Mile and purchase large flame lit torches (approx £5 - with proceeds to charity). Then, led by traditional pipers and drummers, the procession of over 25,000 people walks through the centre of Edinburgh up to Calton Hill. Described as a 'river of fire' the sight of thousands and thousands of torches, lighting up the roads infront and behind you is really something to be seen!

Once the procession had all reached the top of Calton Hill, there was a huge firework display to mark the beginning of Hogmanay celebrations in the city.

The day before New Years Eve there are also various events taking place all over the city. We opted to attend a free dance event at the Grassmarket. This event basically celebrated different styles of dance with various performances and demonstrations on a large stage. From Bollywood to Line Dancing - it certainly got people moving. Also as it was located in the Grassmarket - there were plenty of pubs nearby to pop into for a drink and a break from the cold.

Nearby, the area under the castle also becomes a 'winter wonderland' - there is a Christmas market selling sweets and wines, a fun fair, an ice rink, and lots of other great family activities.

For New Years Eve there are again plenty of different events to choose from and lots to suit everyone's tastes. The Princes Street Party costs £10 for an armband to enter and there were various live acts to keep the crowds entertained.

Other events include a Classical Candlelit Concert, a 70's themed Boogie Wonderland Concert, a traditional Ceilidh and a Live Concert. Tickets for these events vary from between £30 - £45.

We opted for the Live Concert in the gardens with performances from Groove Armada and Paulo Nutini. A tremendous set from Groove Armada with a fantastic laser show, under the towering Edinburgh Castle is an unforgettable experience! As midnight came and went, there was a hugely impressive firework display which seemed to go on forever. The events all finished at 1am - however the partying doesn't stop - with bars and clubs staying open until 3.

To top that I didn't see any trouble at all! Though there was a police presence - there was no trouble, no one seemed too drunk or aggressive and it was just a really good atmosphere.

One word of warning is to keep a firm hand on your drinks should certain songs be played. The Scots are incredibly proud of both the Fratellis and the Proclaimers and I lost two drunks as the crowd surged and bounced when 'Chelsea Dagger' and 'Five Thousand Miles' were played.

Our hotel (Premier Travel Inn) also enhanced the stay. They were completely geared towards the celebrations. They sent you out with a complimentary cup of hot mulled wine on New Years Eve, then served hot soup in the bar until 4am for revellers coming in from the cold. Breakfast was also on till 1 o'clock the next day giving those that had been up late, plenty of time to come down and eat. It was also in a great location - near enough to walk to all the action!

Its also worth comparing hotel prices for the days that you plan to be there. We actually left on New Years Day, as when we booked, we discovered that staying until the 2nd meant that hotel rooms took a massive jump in price.

Edinburgh is cold at this time of year - so plan for this. Gloves, coats, hats and a big coat are a must! As most events are outside you do need to dress warmly.

The only negative was that you did have to queue for the bars and the toilets - but then again you would have to do that wherever you went on New Year Eve.

Summary: Overall a super city, who hold a fabulous party which is suitable for the whole family!