Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Party like it’s 2019?
Piper launches new bid for city Hogmanay event
DUNDEE passed into the new year without a special Hogmanay event — but that could change next year.
Attempts have been made to institute an official city celebration in recent years, but all failed to secure the green light from authorities.
Now, a fresh bid has been made after a member of the public posted a picture online comparing the city centre streets to a “zombie apocalypse” just before midnight on December 31.
Special Olympian swimmer Ross Inglis has now started an online campaign to give 2019 a proper Dundonian welcome.
Ross, 29, said he had been inspired to push for an official Hogmanay party after being booked as a piper around the country at big celebrations.
He said: “I saw the photograph on social media and the city centre was like a ghost town.
“I have been places with my piping and I have seen the events that other places do and I think Dundee would be perfect for a similar celebration.
“It is a prime location and people could come from all over Tayside and Fife.
“Hogmanay is about bringing people together and this would go a long way to bringing everyone in Dundee and the surrounding areas together.
“Hopefully, the other organisers and I will be able to do something similar to what Edinburgh does.”
Ross said that planning was at a very early stage, but the group hopes to use Albert Square and Slessor Gardens.
He said the event could host live music, massed pipes and drums, celebrity guest stars, fireworks, stalls, rides, food and drink and a late-night bus service.
The group is planning a fundraising campaign after previous attempts at financing foundered. It is also exploring the idea of a ticket-only event.
A Facebook page discussing the proposal has seen 1,000 people express an interest in a Hogmanay 2019 event in Dundee.
A city council spokesman said: “If Mr Inglis wants to get in touch with the council we can help to guide him on the requirements for operating such an event safely and legally.” Our