A hard rain’s gonna fall...it’s Storm Dylan!
...as island Vikings get ready to burn out the old year
THE party-planners behind Scotland’s flagship Hogmanay celebrations last night vowed that Storm Dylan wouldn’t rain on their parade.
Despite warnings from weathermen that the country would endure freezing temperatures and howling gales through the first half of today, the organisers of the world-famous Edinburgh street party said they hoped conditions would improve in time for the bells.
They also pledged the fireworks at the event – celebrating its 25th year – would be louder and more colourful than ever before with a specially-composed soundtrack to welcome 2018.
An estimated 60,000 revellers are expected to pack into Edinburgh city centre tonight for the concert and fireworks display.
This evening Rag ‘n’ Bone Man is headlining the main stage in Princes Street Gardens, supported by Edinburgh’s own Nina Nesbitt. Meanwhile, ‘electric folk’ band Treacherous Orchestra are headlining the East End Stage.
For the first time, the extravagant fireworks will be accompanied by a bespoke musical score. BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, will unveil a nine-minute ‘soundscape’.
Before the party begins, however, Scotland is set to endure a bout of ferocious winter weather.
Yellow weather warnings were in place until 3pm today, forecasting ice and 80mph winds. The Met Office warned of power cuts and danger to life from flying debris.
But a spokesman for Edinburgh’s street party insisted celebrations would ‘go ahead in full’.
Organisers Underbelly said: ‘We are reassured that the planned events and preparations will not be affected and that the celebrations will go ahead in full.’
Twelve tons of equipment were brought in to launch 3,000 fireworks from three points at Edinburgh Castle and West Princes Street Gardens.
Police Scotland have stepped up security. Armed officers will patrol the event and steel barriers on Princes Street will be reinforced with roadblocks to deter vehicleramming attacks.
For those staying at home, STV is providing nostalgic fun with a ‘Thingummygig Hogmanay Ceilidh.’
The show’s best-known star, Jack McLaughlin – better known as the Laird O’ Coocaddens – will host the extravaganza, billed as ‘a fun night of Scottish music and dance.’
Over on BBC One, the Hogmanay Live show will see Jackie Bird bring in the bells at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, joined by KT Tunstall and folk stalwarts Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain.