Edinburgh Hogmanay event hailed a success

Over 80,000 revellers flocked to Edinburgh last night with organisers hailing the event

as a success.

Crowds of partygoers counted down the last 10 seconds of 2011 and burst into cheers as the clock struck midnight in Edinburgh.

The world-famous event, which saw around 80,000 people descend on Princes Street in the city centre, held its longest ever midnight fireworks display, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Over 2,800 individual firework cues were used to produce the six-minute display.

After the bells chimed, the crowd joined in a mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

More than 20 acts performed across seven stages throughout the night, with Scots rockers Primal Scream headlining the sold out Concert in the Gardens event.

Many fun seekers began celebrating before the bells, flocking to the city centre to find vantage points for the entertainment and fireworks.

Sean Ingles, 23, had travelled from New Orleans in Louisiana to bring in the New Year in Edinburgh.

He said: “I came with my dad who is originally from here, he moved to the States about 25 years ago and he brought us home for the good times.

“We came here just for Hogmanay, it’s been great. I’ve met all kinds of great people in the crowd, it’s just been fantastic.

“The atmosphere is brilliant, I feel right at home. New Orleans is such a friendly city and Scotland is very much the same. It was definitely worth the trip.”

Newlyweds Rob and Claire Atkins, from Nottingham, said the party had been the perfect end to the perfect year.

Mrs Atkins, 31, said: “We got married earlier this year so 2011 has been brilliant, we like to think we’re carrying on the celebrations tonight.”

Mr Atkins, 33, added: “It’s been a fantastic night, we couldn’t have hoped for anything better.

“The fireworks were amazing.

“Everyone is so friendly, we’ve had an amazing time.”

Organisers hailed the night a success.