Best New Year event

Published on Tuesday 30 December 2008 18:32

FEET FIRST, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, 1 January, 7pm-9:30pm, free With 13 companies and over 120 artists and performers involved, Feet First is the largest coming together of Scottish street theatre.

The event weaves music, theatre, song, lighting, sound, visual art and aerial choreography. Highlights include Mischief La Bas' Market of Optimism, a collection of performed market stalls, and Wishbox, an aerial spectacular.

NEW YEAR'S DAY TRIATHLON, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, starts 12:30pm, free for spectators In an energetic start to 2009, triathletes power through 400m in the Commonwealth Pool, jump onto their bikes for three laps around Arthur's Seat then complete a further lap on foot. If the thought alone is exhausting, you can watch for free. Younger sports fans can take part in the Iron Kids' Race from 11:30am, which is open to 8-15 year-olds. www.edinburghtri.org

THE LOONY DOOK, South Queensferry, 1 Jan, from 10am, free Want to clear your head on New Year's Day? A quick dip in the less than balmy waters of the Forth should blow away any cobwebs. The Loony Dook starts with a parade of pipers through South Queensferry High Street before the more adventurous hit the water. Fancy dress is encouraged. www.theloonydook.co.uk

NEW YEAR'S DAY MUSIC, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers St, Edinburgh, 1 Jan, 12:45pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm free Three concerts by some of Scotland's most talented young musicians. Drop in and relax after the festivities. www.nms.ac.uk/scotland

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, Queen's Hall, Clerk St, Edinburgh, 1 Jan, 7pm, 10-26 Start 2009 in style with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and violinist/director Alexander Janiczek, as they perform the best loved Viennese waltzes and dances from Strauss, and works by Beethoven and Mozart. The concert is in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and will be presented by Jamie MacDougall. www.thequeenshall.net www.sco.org.uk