Street party the only Hogmanay briefs left

ORGANISERS of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have announced that only tickets for the famous street party remain – with The Concert in the Gardens, Keilidh and Candlelit Concert sold out.

This year’s Loony Dook, at South Queensferry, is also fully booked and advance sales for the Torchlight Procession, which launches the Hogmanay party on Friday, are higher than ever.

Pete Irvine, creative director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said “We are delighted with the level of ticket sales this year.

“Tickets for the street party are selling well – ahead of last year – and we are looking forward to a great Hogmanay party.”

This year, revellers can also enjoy a virtual surprise if they download a special app and point their phone at the Castle at the stroke of midnight.

Partygoers following these instruction will be greeted with an e-card that will pop up on their phone and can then be included as a backdrop for photos taken in Edinburgh.

Ruth Mackenzie, director of the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival, said: “We’re excited to be working with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for our first countdown event which brings together new technologies and art for the New Year celebrations.”

The app can be downloaded at www.edinburghshogmanay.com/london2012.