Stornoway’s laser show to Biggar’s bonfire

Hogmanay is being celebrated in style across Scotland from Stornoway’s laser show to Biggar’s Bonfire with music, street theatre, pipes, drums and street parties taking place in cities and towns across the nation.

Events are taking place the length and breadth of the country as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals. Highlights include Glasgow’s George Square New Year Party including Scotland’s biggest outdoor ceilidh, Stonehaven’s must-see Fireball Ceremony, the Red Hot Highland Fling in Inverness, Stirling castle’s shindig and Orkney’s traditional celebrations including the New Year Ba’ Game.

Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations are among the most spectacular New Year’s parties on the planet – and this year is no exception. The capital will welcome 2011 and revellers from home and abroad with a packed four day programme from Thursday 30 December 2010 to Sunday 2 January 2011.

Tickets are still available for the Street Party on Friday 31 December where up to 80,000 people from across the globe will enjoy incredible live music, entertainment and DJ sets on four stages with something to suit all tastes. Tickets can be purchased from http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/.

“Something for everyone.”

Old favourites such as the iconic castle fireworks will feature alongside a brand new series of events entitled One Day – celebrating the singular New Year’s Day date of 1.1.11. The day, which is supported by the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, will kick off with a celebration of music, art, literature and creative performances. A selection of Scotland’s top singers, songwriters, musicians and performers will perform in a free and unticketed concert in ‘Resolution Square’, the newly named event space for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is the best place in the world to see in the bells and celebrations are taking place across the country.

“We Scots are known for our warm welcome – even in freezing temperatures – which is what makes Scotland such a great country to visit, all year round. We know how to throw a great party, especially at Hogmanay.

“If you are heading out, make sure you wrap up warm and check details with event organisers as well as weather and travel advice before setting off.”

VisitScotland’s Chairman Mike Cantlay said: “Hogmanay in Scotland is something special, whether you’ve come here from across the globe or are enjoying the events in your local town. From massive street parties to ancient traditions, we’ve got something for everyone.”

Hogmanay is a very important time for Scots and part of our wider celebrations through Scotland’s Winter Festivals, which run from St Andrews Day to Burns night each year.

More information about events taking place across Scotland during the Hogmanay period can be found athttp://www.scotlandswinterfestivals.com/.

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