Councillor Val Walker is Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council. Here she looks ahead to our world-famous official Hogmanay celebrations, which are now in their 30th year.
Delivered by Unique Assembly on behalf of the Council, the city will be treated to a fantastic four-day programme of events from December 29 to January 1.
Alongside the main schedule, the Assembly Rooms will present a variety of free and ticketed events, including family events, live music, ceilidh dancing and comedy. Over 85,000 people are anticipated to attend events in the city during this period.
I’m delighted that this year also sees the return of the ever-popular Torchlight Procession to kick off proceedings on December 29. This will be led by Vikings from the Shetland's South Mainland Up Helly Aa' Jarl Squad alongside our own Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron.
The Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral on December 31 was the first event for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to sell-out. Following on is the Night Afore Hoolie, all the way to the Street Party, and beyond to the First Footin’ and Sprogmanay we’re in for a real treat.
Cultural icons Pulp will serenade Edinburgh into 2024 when they headline the Concert in the Gardens on December 31. Tickets for this are selling fast so I’d urge everyone to get theirs quickly.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanany contributes tens of millions of pounds to the city’s economy every year, providing boosts to local businesses and residents. In 2022/23 it generated over £48.5m for Scotland’s economy, and I look forward to seeing the full report with this year’s impacts.
I’d also like to mention the great success of Edinburgh’s Christmas which has been open for the past six weeks. From the Christmas Market to the Ice Rink, Big Wheel, and Santa’s Stories there’s been something for everyone. We’ve given out over 6,000 free tickets for attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas to community groups from across the Capital. This ensures that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the festivities.
I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting representatives of Florence’s Christmas Market this year, and I look forward to further festive partnerships. The city of Florence has been twinned with Edinburgh since 1964. The success of Edinburgh’s Christmas is truly impressive and a testament to the stellar reputation of our festivals, and the hard work of the organisers and Council colleagues who have my sincere thanks.
Finally, I want to wish everyone here in Edinburgh a wonderful Hogmanay and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024.
More information on programmes, schedules and tickets can be found on the websites for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.