Strong ticket sales cheer Hogmanay party organisers

Published on Tuesday 29 December 2009 09:46

THOUSANDS of party-goers are preparing to hit the city centre this evening as the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations kick off.

Edinburgh is due to be set alight by an estimated 20,000 revellers as the traditional torchlight procession makes its way from the Royal Mile up to Calton Hill.

Concerns have been raised about the weather, however, with emergency teams sent out to clear ice from parts of the route and the Met Office warning of falling temperatures over the next few days.

&#149 Will you be making any New Year's resolutions this year?

Tonight's event lifts the curtain on five days of New Year celebrations.

Tickets for this year's party are being snapped up quickly, with several events sold out already.

It compares with a darker situation last year, when more than 10,000 tickets went unsold.

Organisers are encouraging those who want to party on the streets to book before the big day to avoid disappointment. Already two events on 30 December – the Night Afore Light Night, where familiar city venues including Edinburgh Castle are illuminated to present specially commissioned events, and a DJ set by Calvin Harris, at the HMV Picture House – have sold out.

Emergency services today issued a number of guidelines warning revellers to stay safe, be sensible, and keep warm and dry during the celebrations.

Around 350 police officers and 650 stewards will be operating in the city centre on 31 December.

Temporary DCC Mike McCormick, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Public safety is our top priority at Hogmanay. Officers and stewards will provide a high-visibility presence, both within the event arena and the surrounding area, and they can be approached with any concerns.

"I would like to remind people attending the street party that they will not be able to bring glass into the arena. I would also remind people that once they enter the arena and their ticket is checked and split, they will not be able to get back in if they choose to leave.

"Revellers should be mindful of their responsibilities to each other so that we can create a happy atmosphere for everyone."

Councillor Robert Aldridge, City council environment leader, added: "Bring any New Year cheer in plastic containers, dress warmly, have fun but be sensible, look after yourself and your friends."

The Met Office has warned that bitterly cold weather is expected from this morning and temperatures over the next few days will remain at around zero degrees.

A biting north-east wind is set to sweep across the Capital and the city may see a white New Year as sleet and snow showers are predicted.

A spokesman confirmed that the Capital would see the coldest Hogmanay in years and warned revellers to be aware of slippery conditions underfoot.

Pete Irvine, creative director of the Hogmanay celebrations, said the team was very happy with ticket sales. He said: "We've been selling out lots of events over the past few days and it is going much better than last year, but we are a little concerned about the weather. We have sent out emergency squad teams to clear ice off green areas. We are confident it will all be ok on the day though."

Dr Charles Swainson, medical director of NHS Lothian, said that a large team of medical staff would be on hand to help with weather and alcohol-related incidents. He said: "Unfortunately the icy weather can mean people end up at A&E with injuries caused by slips and trips. One of the best ways to avoid this is by wearing suitable shoes – low heels with a good grip are best.

"If you are heading for the street party, it's worth remembering that you will probably be outside in the cold for several hours and that alcohol lowers your body temperature, so warm clothes are vital.

"When it comes to drinking, pace yourself and have a meal beforehand."

As well as the annual torchlight procession, a world premiere dance collection, Off Kilter, will perform at the Festival Theatre.

Although enclosure tickets for the Concert in the Gardens, where Madness will headline, are now sold out, there are still cheaper 37.50 tickets available for the event.

Meanwhile, 10 tickets are still available for the street party.

HOGMANAY DOs AND DON'Ts

Party-goers should arrive early. Entry cannot be guaranteed after 11pm.

&#149 Wrap up warm. Temperatures are expect to hover around 0 degrees and a cold wind is expected.

&#149 Arrange a meeting point in case parties become separated. Fully charge your mobile before you leave the house.

&#149 Plan your route home. Lothian Buses and First buses will be running free services from various departure points. Visit www.edinburghs hogmanay.com or contact the bus companies for further details.

&#149 Follow instructions. Police and stewards are on duty to look after everyone's safety and welfare. Bags may be searched for security reasons.

&#149 Revellers are encouraged not to bring children under 16 to the Street Party. Events on 29 and 30 December and 1 January are for all the family.

&#149 People under the influence of excessive alcohol may be refused entry.

&#149 Don't bring glass into the arena. Glass bottles will be confiscated.