HOGMANAY HEAVEN

We would like to attend the traditional New Year’s Eve party, Hogmanay, in Edinburgh this year. What events should we attend? Is it necessary to buy tickets or book in advance? — Faith Andrews

Hogmanay attracts over 80 000 revellers to its street party on December 31. The actual festival stretches over three days, starting with a torch-light procession through the city centre on December 30. This is followed by the big street party on New Year’s Eve, with fireworks displays every hour from 9pm and 12 giant screens showing the countdown.

There are also a number of events on the sidelines of the street party, including a very popular Concert in the Gardens, which will be headlined this year by the Pet Shop Boys. Other events include a festival of traditional Scottish music, the Keilidh, and a candle-lit concert at St Giles’ Cathedral. Ticketholders to the Concert in the Gardens and the Keilidh also get free access to the street party. However, there is no entry to the street party after 11pm and you may not leave and re-enter later. If you are up to it, on the morning of January 1 you can join the annual Loony Dook — a dip in the icy waters of the Firth of Forth at Queensferry.

It is definitely advisable to book for the street party and all festival concerts. Tickets plus booking fees cost £20 (R320) for the street party, £40 and £45 for the Concert in the Gardens, £37 for the Keilidh and £16 for the candle-lit concert.

After the street party, a free bus service is provided from the city centre to various parts of the city until 4am.

Buy tickets and get further details at edinburghshogmanay.com. For accommodation and packages, see edinburgh.org and destinationedinburgh.uk.com.