EDINBURGH'S Hogmanay celebrations could be turned into a week-long party under plans being considered by council chiefs.
City leaders have today kicked off the first major review of the city's popular New Year events in more than a decade.
The recent celebrations were widely regarded as the best in years but officials have been tasked with finding ways to fend of
f growing competition from other cities such as Manchester.
Holding more events before and after Hogmanay will be considered, as will putting on more celebrations indoors to counter problems with poor weather.
Other issues that will be considered by the review, which is due back by the spring, include handing over management of the whole event to a private company.
It is not thought the organisers will consider expanding the numbers of people allowed into the street party on Princes Street.
But council leaders are keen to see some of the financial and organisational burden taken off them for future years.
Councillor Steve Cardownie, the city's festivals and events champion, said: "This year's four-day festival was a tremendous success and showed to the world that Edinburgh really is the home of Hogmanay. However, it's time to take stock and look at what we do well and what we could do better.
"It's been over ten years since a full review has been carried out and in that time, and on the back of our success, many other cities across the UK now hold similar events to bring in the New Year.
"We need to ensure that Edinburgh stays ahead of the pack and a full review is the sensible thing to do."
All the major summer festivals, such as the Fringe and Film Festival, are run separately from the council – although most still receive some public funding.
The last major review of the Hogmanay event happened in 1995-96 after an estimated 350,000 people gathered in and around Princes Street.
Big problems with crushing forced council chiefs to make the event ticketed, limiting street party numbers to around 100,000 each year.
Pete Irvine, creative director of Unique Events, which has been synonymous with the success of the Capital's Hogmanay celebrations, added: "There was a concerted effort to refresh the programme of events for this year's Hogmanay, which I think has proven to be a big success.
"This sort of approach will continue into next year, but the review will help to ensure that the event remains ahead of the competition.
"I am not convinced, personally, about extending the Hogmanay events. You could possibly stretch it to the 27th but I think there is still a barrier beyond the 1st, which is a natural end point.
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