Edinburgh Spotlight loves living in ‘Festival City’ and already has all these dates in its calendar – here’s the rundown of 2012′s festivals.

Mary King’s Ghost Fest TBC for 2012

Paranormal investigations, celebrity ghost hunts and other spooky goings on at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Ceilidh Culture 16 March – 25 April

Edinburgh’s traditional arts festival, featuring music, dance, storytelling and more.

International Science Festival 31 March- 13 April 2012
The International Science Festival features a host of fun and educational events, lectures and attractions celebrating all things scientific.

Beltane Fire Festival 30 April 2012
Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival and Edinburgh plays host to some colourful and exciting celebrations to mark the date.

Imaginate Festival 7 – 14 May 2012
The Imaginate Festival is Edinburgh’s children’s festival and has loads of plays, activities and fun things to do for youngsters of all ages.

Leith Festival 8 -17 June 2012
Come and celebrate all things Leith at this festival, featuring music, dance, art and other exciting events.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 20 June – 1 July
The Edinburgh Film Festival is an internationally-renowned event on the movie festival circuit and attracts premieres and stars from all over the world.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 29 June – 6 July 2012

2012 will see Edinburgh host the third International Magic Festival with a range of performers show-casing their magical talents.

Edinburgh Art Festival August 2 – September 2
Edinburgh Art Festival celebrates the visual arts in all its diversity, from world-class exhibitions to strikingly original installations.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 28 July – 6 August 2012
Get your gladrags on and party to the sounds of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, a popular event which attracts international talent.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 3 - 27 August 2012
Getting bigger, better and – some may say – weirder every year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the highlight of many a festival-goer’s calendar.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 3 – 25 August 2012
Selling out months in advance, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event taking place on the Castle Esplanade.

The Edge Music Festival TBC 2012
Adding alternative music to the August festival mix, The Edge Music Festival attracts A-list bands as part of its programme.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace TBC 2012

The Festival of Spirituality and Peace features music, dance, talks and other events highlighting humanitarian issues and causes.

Edinburgh International Festival 10 August – 2 September 2012
The one that started it all, the Edinburgh International Festival is a feast of world-class music, dance and theatrical performances.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 11 - 27 August 2012
This literary event attracts major names in the writing, publishing and political fields to the serene Charlotte Square Gardens setting.

Edinburgh Mela Festival 31 August  - 2nd September 2012

Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, the Mela Festival brings colour and exotic flair to Edinburgh in August.

Scottish Story Telling Festival 19-28 October
Celebrating the great Scottish oral tradition, the Story Telling Festival showcases the talents of national bards, poets and tale-spinners.

Edinburgh’s Christmas TBC – late November – End Dec 2011
Edinburgh sparkles at Christmas and features events, attractions and shows for all the family to enjoy during the festival season.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30 December 2012 – 2 January 2013
End the year with the biggest street party in the world!

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is where Edinburgh plays host to the world’s best new year celebrations and this year is no different, with a programme of fabulous events for everyone to enjoy from the 30th December 2010 through til 2nd January 2011. 

As well as the famous Street Party and the Concert In The Gardens, there’s a whole host of other activities planned to herald the start of 2011. 

Read our daily guides to what’s on around town. Links will open in new windows and events are listed in chronological order.   Articles will be updated as events are added. 

Links to daily guides below  

 What’s on Thursday 30th December 2010 

What’s on Friday 31st December 2010 

What’s on Saturday 1st January 2011 

What’s on Sunday 2nd January 2011 

Photo copyright Edinburgh's Hogmanay

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.  Download the full brochure here which includes a map.  (PDF document, opens in new window). 

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

All events are subject to change due to inclement weather.  Please check through links and local press if weather is bad.

Camera Obscura. Royal Mile.  10am-5pm.    

Edinburgh Zoo.  Corstorphine Road.  9.30am – 4.30pm.    Tickets only £5.

Edinburgh Castle.  9.30am – 4.15 pm (last admission).    Daft days, meet Mary Queen of Scots and her lady in waiting.  11am-4.30pm.

Royal Botanical Gardens. 10am – 4pm.    

Royal Yacht Britannia. 10am – 3.30pm (last admission)    

Edinburgh’s Ice Rink.  10am – 8pm.  Prices vary.    

Edinburgh’s Christmas fair.  10am-10pm.  Ride the Big Wheel for spectacular views of Edinburgh, or have a shot on the Christmas Carousel.  Prices vary.    

Hogmanay Carnival, Market Street.  11am-11pm, prices vary    

Music Fair, The Lot, Grassmarket  11am – 4pm.  Selling vinyl and CDs   

Jack and the Beanstalk, King’s Theatre.  2pm & 7pm    

The Secret Garden, Edinburgh Festival Theatre.  2.30pm & 7.30pm.    

Film Season – Trainspotting, Filmhouse Cinema  4pm & 8.45pm    

Opening Night in Resolution Square.  5pm-9pm   New event to mark the launch for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.  Enjoy a feast of music, entertainment, fire and fireworks.  FREE.    

Torchlight procession.  6.30pm.  Watch for free as this river of lights leave Parliament Square for Calton Hill.  Torches available for £6 in advance, or £7 on the night. Proceeds this year go to Forth One Cash For Kids and Barnardo’s Scotland    

The Snow Queen, Lyceum Theatre.  2.30pm & 7pm.     

Hairpsray The Musical.  Edinburgh Playhouse, prices vary. 7.30pm    

Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, Usher Hall.  7.30pm, prices vary. 

Son et Lumiére Finale   7.45pm, Calton Hill.  The spectacular Son et Lumiére light and firework display, signals the beginning of the four day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival.  FREE.    

Ceilidh Club with Heeliegoleerie, The Lot, Grassmarket  8pm – 11pm.  £6 from Edinburgh Ceilidhs   

Further details and ticket information available at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.    

Torchlight procession

All events are subject to change due to inclement weather.  Please check through links and local press if weather is bad.

Camera Obscura. Royal Mile.  10am-5pm.   

Edinburgh Zoo.  Corstorphine Road.  9.30am – 4.30pm.    Tickets only £5.

Edinburgh Castle.  9.30am – 4.15 pm (last admission).    Daft days, meet Mary Queen of Scots and her lady in waiting.  11am-4.30pm.

Royal Botanical Gardens. 10am – 4pm.   

Royal Yacht Britannia. 10am – 3.30pm (last admission)   

Edinburgh’s Ice Rink.  10am – 6pm.  Prices vary.   

Edinburgh’s Christmas fair.  10am-8pm.  Ride the Big Wheel for spectacular views of Edinburgh, or have a shot on the Christmas Carousel.  Prices vary.   

Hogmanay Carnival, Market Street.  11am-11pm, prices vary   

Jack and the Beanstalk, King’s Theatre.  1pm & 5pm.   

Film Season – Shallow Grave, Filmhouse Cinema  1.45pm & 7pm   

Musical Walking Tour from Oor Tours and Graeme E Pearson.  2pm, £10 including a nip.  Our review.  Sensible shoes required.

Family Ceilidh, National Museum of Scotland.   2pm – 1.35pm.   FREE.  

The Secret Garden, Edinburgh Festival Theatre.  2.30pm.   

The Snow Queen, Lyceum Theatre.  2.30pm.   

Candlelit concert. St Giles Cathedral.  7.30pm – 9pm.  £16.  A festive celebration in the candlelit atmosphere of St Giles’ Cathedral.  This year’s concert celebrates the music of J.S. Bach and Mozart. Two seasonal cantatas, ‘Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ’ and ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’, from the Baroque master are partnered
by Mozart’s Coronation Mass.   

Rick’s Hogmanay Party 8pm – 3am. Cocktails from around the world for £5 each.  Starting off with Dubai at 8pm followed by other cities & countries every hour; Moscow, Capetown, Paris, Edinburgh, Azores Islands and Rio de Janiero.  Standard entry tickets are complimentary, contact Rick’s.

Grand Hogmanay Ball, Sheraton Hotel.  8.30pm – 1am.   Live music, traditional Scottish elements with some ceilidh dancing and a piper.  Haggis, neeps and tatties included in your ticket price. Shimmering 5 star city centre venue with a view of the fireworks  

Graeme E Pearson at the Waterline Pub, The Shore.  Traditional Scottish singing from a tall man in tartan breeks.  What more do you need to bring the New Year in?  Our review of his singing.  FREE entry.

Vegas!  Grand Hogmanay Ball, Ocean Terminal.  9pm-3am.  Tickets from £30. 

Hogmanay Street Party.  Stages live 9pm-1am — £15 administration fee.  Featuring The Kaiser Chiefs, The Coral, Goldie Looking Chain.  No admission after 11pm.   

Concert in the Gardens with Biffy Clyro Princes St Gardens – 9pm-1am.  Only Gardens tickets left.  Also featuring Charlatans & Billy Bragg.   

The Keilidh, Mound Precinct. 9pm-1am – £30 + booking fee. No recommended for under 16s.  Welcome 2011 in style as you birl through the bells at the The Keilidh, the outdoor ceilidh experience set within an exclusive area of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party. Featuring the very best in traditional Scottish music, a Ceilidh Caller to teach you the moves, exclusive food and drink area and incredible views of the spectacular Midnight Fireworks.   

Fireworks.  Midnight.  To bring in 2011, fireworks are let off from Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.  Can be viewed from around town.  FREE.   

Free buses from Lothian Buses and RBS

Lothian Buses are providing FREE buses home on the 1st from 12.15am – 4am.  Click on this link to find a map of departure points and this link for the services that are running.   

Further details and ticket information available at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.   

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

All events are subject to change due to inclement weather.  Please check through links and local press if weather is bad.

1.1.11

Camera Obscura. Royal Mile.  10am-5pm. 

Edinburgh Zoo.  Corstorphine Road.  9.30am – 4.30pm.    Tickets only £5.

Edinburgh Castle.  9.30am – 4.15 pm (last admission).  Happy Old Year 11am – 3pm. Help celebrate the year just past. Discern the fine dishes of spicy 16th-century food; admire the application of 16th-century make-up and tremble before a demonstration of the Royal Guard’s armour and weaponry.

Horseracing at Musselburgh.  Doors open 10.30am, first race 12.20pm.  Tickets £18. 

Hogmanay Carnival, Market Street.  11am-11pm. Prices vary. 

Edinburgh’s Ice Rink.  12noon – 10pm.  Prices vary. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas fair.  12noon – 10pm.  Ride the Big Wheel for spectacular views of Edinburgh, or have a shot on the Christmas Carousel.  Prices vary. 

The One O’Clock Run.  Suitable for all the family, check in from 11am and warm up from 12.30pm.  Blow off the cobwebs and run down the Royal Mile.  Buy tickets early, places are limited.  £8 including t-shirt which must be worn. 

Resolution Square music and poetry. Stage live 1pm – 6pm.  Mound Precinct by the National Galleries.  FREE.Specially commissioned Haikus – one-versed poems evoking single moments – from some of Scotland’s leading writers and poets on screens on the Royal Scottish Academy. Resolution Songs. Main Stage 1pm – 2pm & 4.45pm – 6pm. Five of Scotland’s foremost singer-songwriters perform specially written Resolution Songs for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay along with some of their well known work. Main Stage 2pm – 4.45pm. Exclusive performances from Scotland’s 2010 award-winning musicians. 

Film season – Hallam Foe, Filmhouse Cinema.  1.45pm & 7pm. 

A New Year’s Day Conversation  2pm.  Hawthornden Lecture Theatre 2pm–3.15pm. National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound.  £10.  The hugely popular New Year’s Day Conversation welcomes Scotland’s award-winning crime writers Ian Rankin and Lin Anderson to talk about Edinburgh, an inspirational city to literature and art, in the past, the present and the future. 

The Loony Dook, South Queensferry.  2.30pm. £6.  Tickets MUST be bought in advance this year.  Start 2011 with a chilly dip into the water – a great event and one to remember. 

Resolution Concert – 5pm – 8pm.  £11 + booking fee. New event for 2011.  KT Tunstall takes to the stage at West Princes Street Gardens along with King Creosote, Kassidy, Silver Columns. 

Hogmanay Carnival, Market Street.  11am-11pm, prices vary 

Further details and ticket information available at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website. 

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

All events are subject to change due to inclement weather.  Please check through links and local press if weather is bad.

Camera Obscura. Royal Mile.  10am-5pm.  

Edinburgh Zoo.  Corstorphine Road.  9.30am – 4.30pm.    Tickets only £5. 

Edinburgh Castle.  9.30am – 4.15 pm (last admission).   Happy Old Year 11am – 3pm. Help celebrate the year just past. Discern the fine dishes of spicy 16th-century food; admire the application of 16th-century make-up and tremble before a demonstration of the Royal Guard’s armour and weaponry.
 

Royal Botanical Gardens. 10am – 4pm.  

Royal Yacht Britannia. 10am – 3.30pm (last admission)  

Edinburgh’s Ice Rink.  10am – 8pm.  Prices vary.  

Edinburgh’s Christmas fair.  10am-10pm.  Ride the Big Wheel for spectacular views of Edinburgh, or have a shot on the Christmas Carousel.  Prices vary.  

Hogmanay Carnival, Market Street.  11am-11pm, prices vary  

Jack & the Beanstalk, King’s Theatre. 1pm & 5pm.  

Hairpsray The Musical.  Edinburgh Playhouse, prices vary.  2.30pm & 7.30pm.  

Film Season – Restless Natives, Filmhouse Cinema.  1.45pm & 8.45pm.  

Film Season – Edinburgh from the Archives, Filmhouse Cinema.  4pm  

Edinburgh Rugby V Glasgow Warriors.  Murrayfield Stadium. 5.35pm.  Prices vary.  

Further details and ticket information available at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.  

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Oor Tours and Graeme E Pearson are conducting their fabulous walking tour on Hogmanay!  We reviewed this tour previously and think it would be a fabulous way to kick start celebrations into 2011. 

Starting at 2pm on 31^st December 2010, tickets are £10 and include a nip of whisky. If you and a group of friends want to book a Hogmanay Tour get in touch.  

email: ask@oortours.com Tel: +44 (0) 7817 362171 

Spaces are limited.  

Graeme Pearson

 

As part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, New Man Walking was a popular event despite the freezing temperatures.  Made by Puppet Lab in Leith, you really had to see this for yourself to appreciate its’ creation.  Let’s hope it makes another appearance next year.

New Man Walking

Full moon with New Man

Thank you to an Edinburgh Spotlight reader, S Smith for use of her fabulous photos.

Last week we ran a competition to give away tickets to both the Family Hoog and the Main Hoog event.

Our winner was Julia Forsyth and she has kindly sent us a report of her experience there, with a fabulous review from her son Logan.  Click the link below to listen to what he had to say on his first Hoog experience!

The Family Hoog (audio review by Logan, aged 7)

Dancing at the Family Hoog

Mum says…..

We took our 2 oldest children (aged 7 and 9) to the family Hoog at the Assembly Rooms.  It was a fantastic night and we all really enjoyed ourselves.  The venue itself was spectacular, beautifully lit to create a very festive atmosphere. The band had a great energy and really “rocked up” the traditional ceilidh sounds.  We danced Strip the Willow. The Gay Gordons, The Dashing White Sergeant, we even attempted an Eightsome Reel.  All the dances were called, and walked through first and there were enough people there who knew what they were doing to ensure the dances didn’t fall apart. The Hoog is recommended for children older than 9.  Our 7 year old coped very well though, and had a great time.  There were a few even younger children there, the venue was very spacious so I think had my nearly 4 year old been able to stay awake that late I would have felt comfortable taking her along too.  Lots of swirling tartan, friendly faces, tasty stovies and an Auld Lang Syne to finish the evening off. Kids home and tucked into bed by 10.30.  Perfect!

Dancing the Gay Gordons

Looks like you had a fabulous time Julia !

Firelight is a new addition to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: an installation on the Royal Mile by French artists Carabosse.

Torches on the Royal Mile

Although the torches looked pretty, the high winds resulted in embers and sparks spewing from them like fireworks. It wasn’t long before the fire brigade arrived to douse these particular flames and the High Street was closed off for a short while whilst the hazard was dealt with.

Luckily, the remainder of the installations were large scale pieces that were judged to be safe. These were mostly around St Giles and in the nearby Parliament Square, and even the wind and inevitable snow didn’t dampen the atmosphere – or the flames – as Carabosse successfully conjured up some fiery magic and mystery on the Royal Mile.

Firelight

The larger pieces were animated, resembling fiery fountains

Firelight detail

Magical atmosphere on the High Street

Fire and Ice

Carabosse return to the High Street on 1st January from 4-8pm; although it is likely the torches that caused the fire brigade callout will not be featuring!

Here’s some pictures and videos from the Torchlight Procession.  Enjoy !

Lighting the torches

Getting ready to go

Nicol, age 6

Public parade

Friday 1st January 2010    Re:Formation Day  The party continues on New Year’s Day as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay welcomes 2010 in style, with a full programme of music, dance, street theatre, debate and fire, guaranteed to reform and renew the mind, body and spirit.

12pm.   Why not start with a Loony Dook ?    If you’re looking to do something a little unusual on New Years Day, then I suggest having a look at the official site and go for a SWIM !  People wishing to take part should register at the Moorings Lounge, Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry between 9.30am  and 11.30am.  The event kicks off at noon as the parade winds its’ way down the High Street and into the cold icy water.

The event is free to take part, but donations for charity are appreciated.  You can get a hot toddy and some soup afterwards at The Moorings, or why not treat yourself to a good meal at Forth Rail Bistro.  Emergency services are on standby during the event.  

Take a dip at South Queensferry

12pm-6pm  First foot the man himself. John Knox House, 43 High Street.  Tickets: £6/£3.50
Booking/Info: 0131 556 9579 or buy at the door www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

As Scotland marks the 450th anniversary of its religious revolution in 1560, experience re:formation day at John Knox House with live and audio drama. John Knox is played by John Sheddon. 

1pm-4.30pm  New Music at the Palace, Palace of Holyroodhouse Royal Mews – Free Event

New music for New Year’s Day from young, contemporary musicians working in the crossover between folk and jazz, celtic and world music. (Entry to Palace not required.) Palace Tearooms open. 

There is a 2.30pm matinee performance of Off Kilter which is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket. 

3pm – Gate of the Year at St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.  Looking back, looking forward: an inspirational hour in the tranquil and atmospheric High Kirk with music, poetry, words of reflection and contemplation and the Choir of St Giles. Please note: this event is unticketed but there is a limited capacity.
 

Carabosse

Firelight – Carabosse  4pm – 8pm  Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is proud to present internationally renowned street theatre artists Carabosse with their magical fire installations. Carabosse light up cities around the world, their Scottish premiere will transform the Royal Mile into a breathtaking hub of fire and light. . The Royal Mile (The squares around St. Giles’ Cathedral)  Free Event  

Please note: under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult to enter this event. This is an outdoor event featuring live fire installations, please dress appropriately.  Have a look at the French company’s website 

New man walking

4.30pm, New Man Awakes, Outside Holyrood Palace.  5pm, New Man Walks from Holyrood Palace to The Tron, Royal Mile – Free 

Puppet Lab’s spectacular, giant ‘Big Man’ who has attracted massive crowds as he walked throughout Scotland this autumn, is reawakened to walk the capital’s historic Royal Mile, from Holyrood Palace to The Tron. ‘From a thousand small tremors comes a giant spectacle of celebration and creative adventures’ 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Carnival will still be going strong.  Open 11am – 11pm.   During the day, you can also have a ride on the Helter Skelter or Edinburgh Wheel  to get a bird’s eye view of the Castle and Princes Street.  The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is also still open. 

Extra Information  

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.  

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.  

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Thursday 31st December Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Carnival will be in full swing.  Open till 12.30am 1st January.    During the day, you can have a ride on the Helter Skelter or Edinburgh Wheel (closes 6pm) to get a bird’s eye view of the Castle and Princes Street.  The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is open until 8pm.

Oor Tours are running a Hogmanay special tour at 2pm, tickets in advance.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

There is a 2.30pm matinee performance of Off Kilter which is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket.

At 7pm, the fabulous Hoog for Hogmanay 2009 takes place in the Assembly Rooms in George Street.  This is a formal event with admission for over 18′s only, but is a fabulous (and warm) way to see in the New Year

Assembly Rooms, George Street

At 7.30pm, there is a  Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral

A festive celebration in the atmospheric surroundings of St Giles’ Cathedral. This year’s concert marks the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death with his celebratory Coronation Anthems, including Zadok the Priest. This feast of Baroque music also includes J.S.Bach’s Magnificat in D and Alessandro Scarlatti’s Cantata Pastorale. St Giles’   Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St Giles’ Camerata leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a  stunning array of young soloists.

Concert commences 7.30pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.  Tickets £16 plus booking fee

Between 9pm and 1am, in Princes Street there is the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and The Keilidh.  Be sure to wrap up warm if you are attending these events as the weather is forecast to be well below freezing.  In Princes Street Gardens, the Noisettes and Madness are taking to the stage.  The enclosure is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the Gardens with a limited view.

At midnight there is a spectacular fireworks display from the Castle and Calton Hill.  You will also be able to view this from various points across town as the sky is lit up.  Auld Lang Syne is also sung at midnight and is rumoured to be the biggest sing a long of the song in the world.

Extra information

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Picture from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Wednesday 30th December – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Carnival will be in full swing   Why not have a ride on the Helter Skelter or Edinburgh Wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the Castle and Princes Street ?  The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is open until 4th January 2010 and is fun for all the family.  11am – 11pm.

7.30pm.  Off Kilter is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket.

The Family Hoog takes place from 7pm – 10pm at the George Street Assembly Rooms.  Perfect for families with children over the age of 9 to enjoy and is held for the benefit of the Bethany Christian Trust.

Winter Light – St. Giles’ Cathedral, Parliament Square, Royal Mile 7pm – 10pm
Free Entry (limited availability)

Michael Begg and Colin Potter, major figures in European electronic avant garde, present a unique performance – ‘Fragile Pitches’ – reflecting themes of light, space and fire in sound structures that compliment the experience of being in St Giles’ Cathedral at night. 

Dark Light – Mary King’s Close, Royal Mile  7pm – 10pm.  Ticket £10.50 adults
(with concession) (limited availability) Booking/Info: 0845 070 6244 or at door if available.  www.realmarykingsclose.com

A rare opportunity to visit Edinburgh’s most famous subterranea at night. The sights, the sounds and even the smells of the street that time forgot. Hear about the Great Fire of 1824 that changed the world

Carabosse

 Firelight – Carabosse  Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is proud to present internationally renowned street theatre artists Carabosse with their magical fire installations. Carabosse light up cities around the world, their Scottish premiere will transform the Royal Mile into a breathtaking hub of fire and light. 7pm – 11pm. The Royal Mile (The squares around St. Giles’ Cathedral)  Free Event

Please note: under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult to enter this event. This is an outdoor event featuring live fire installations, please dress appropriately.

Have a look at the French company’s website

The Calvin Harris club night has sold out as has Legendary Light at Edinburgh Castle

Extra Info

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Tuesday 29th December – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Carnival will be in full swing (Market Street carnival opens 11am on the 28th).  Why not have a ride on the Helter Skelter or Edinburgh Wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the Castle and Princes Street ?  The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is open until 4th January 2010 and is fun for all the family.

Off Kilter is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

The Torchlight Procession and Son et Lumiere Finale will also be another wonderful event.  The procession is the opening event of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and will see thousands of people create a river of fire from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill.  Starts at 6.30pm from Parliament Square.  Torches cost £5 in advance, £6 on the night and the money raised goes to local and Scottish charities.

At 7.45pm (approx) The spectacular Son et Lumiére light and firework display, signals the beginning of the five day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival.  Calton Hill, free and unticketed.

Extra Information

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

The Edinburgh Wheel is a must for residents and tourists over the festive period.  The cost of a ride is dependent on your height: if you’re 1.35m or over, the charge is £4, if you’re shorter than this it costs £2.50. There is a height chart for younger people to stand beside. (These prices rise to £5 and £4 during the Hogmanay period of 31st Dec – 2nd Jan).

Today Edinburgh Spotlight took another ride on the wheel despite the temperature being -2c during the day!

View from Big Wheel

As you can see, the views are fabulous and even better now the tram works have disappeared from Princes Street and open to traffic and pedestrians again.

If it’s a windy day, you can be swayed from side to side as they load everyone on and you could be stuck at the top as they do so.

Jenners from the wheel

You could see the snow on the hills over in Fife and an unsual angle of Jenners roof (normally reserved for birds).

Scott Monument

When the ride was in motion we were waving to people in the Scott Monument.  It was definitely unusual to be looking at it from this height.

Carousel

The Carousel looked like a toy from up so high and the Castle looked as wonderful as ever with the last remains of the snow.

Castle from the wheel

The Edinburgh Wheel is in operation now until the 4th of January, open from 10am to 10pm (6pm on Dec 31st).

Suitable for disabled ?   Depends on mobility level as you could transfer from the platform onto the ride, the staff are helpful to young and old.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay carnival opened for business in Market Street today.  Edinburgh Spotlight paid a visit shortly after opening this morning, but some rides were still in ’test mode’, so unable to go on them all.   At the Carnival you will find some of the more extreme rides to compliment the Big Wheel and other attractions.  Open every day from 11am – 11pm until Monday 4th January 2010.

On the 31st, the rides are open until 12.30am on the 1st meaning you could bring in the New Year upside down or spinning round!

This review is not a definative guide of rides available, but covers the main ones.

115ft Booster ride

This ‘Booster’ ride is not for the faint hearted.  Not only are you propelled at speeds of 65mph round and upside down circle of the arm, you twist round at the end as well !  Thankfully this ride was in test mode when I visted so couldn’t try it out

The price for this ride was not available either, despite asking the staff.

Ghost train

The Ghost Train is a family classic and is priced at £3 per person for a ride.

Market Street is very narrow with the Carnival in place and the area can be exceptionally busy, so keep an eye on your belongings and pockets.  Music is pumped out very loudly in the early evening, so if going with kids, be sure to visit in the day time to have a more enjoyable experience.  There are very few rides suitable for smaller children (Ghost Train and Fun House are).

Sticky Wall

The Sticky Wall is great fun and is priced at £2.80 !?  Yes, some of the prices were hand written today and I have a feeling that the prices will fluctuate depending on how busy the Carnival gets with prices peaking on the 31st.  You can also pay 50 pence to view others experience the ride.

My top tip for this one is when you think the floor is about to disappear, strike a pose with legs and arms away from the body at an angle  as it can be quite painful if you are left hanging vertically with some of your bodyweight falling into your trousers.

Music is constantly played throughout the street even in the daytime and is of the high speed techno variety!  No Dean Martin to be found here.

Jumbo Fun House

The Fun House is priced at £2.50 per person and is probably the best value attraction at the Carnival.  There is a lot to do within the attraction such as a moving floor to negotiate and spinning tubes to walk through.  There is no time limit, but you are only allowed to go through it one way.

Freak Out

The ride called ‘Freak Out’ might indeed cause you to do just that.  Priced at £4, it swings you back and forward as well as spinning around, but does not go over the top of the ride / upside down.

Stalls

There are also a few stalls in which you can win cuddly toys and other prizes by throwing darts or hooknig a duck.  The prices were not displayed for these stalls and again, I have a feeling the price will depend on the time that you go.

Booster rules

All in all, I feel that it’s an expensive part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.  You could easily spend £30-£40 and still not have gone on all the rides.  There is also the super bungy in which you are shot upwards into the sky whilst spinning around which costs around £20 per person.  It would be a memorable experience though.

There are food stalls to fuel up but no public toilets.

Suitable for disabled ?    You can certainly visit the Carnival, but none of the rides are disabled friendly.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is where Edinburgh plays host to the world’s best new year celebrations and this year is no different, with a programme of fabulous events for everyone to enjoy from the 29th December 2009 through til 2nd January 2010.

As well as the famous Street Party and the Concert In The Gardens (featuring everyone’s favourite Nutty Boys, Madness), there’s a whole host of other activities planned to herald the start of 2010.

Courtesy of www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

Edinburgh Spotlight plans to go to as many events as possible.  Why not enter our Hogmanay Competiton ?  You could be in with a chance of winning a tickets for up to five people for the Family Hoog on the 30th and the main Hoog on the 31st.    Details here.

The Hoog

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Edinburgh Spotlight are delighted to be running another competition, in conjunction with FringeGuru and Night Train Productions Limited.

We have a pair of tickets to give away for the main Hoog event on 31st December, as well as a set of tickets for the Family Hoog on 30th December (up to a family of 5 people) – a prize worth a combined total of £150!

To win these fantastic prizes, simply email us at info@edinburghspotlight.com with the answer to the following question:

“How does The Hoog get its name?”
(Please include your name in the email and remember to indicate which event you would like tickets for. Also optionally add a contact number so we can get in touch with you if you’re lucky enough to win!)

The closing date for entries for the main Hoog event is 10pm 27th December, and the family Hoog closing date is 10pm 28th December – so enter quickly to be in with a chance of winning!

The winners will be notified by email immediately and will be able to pick up their tickets at the venue on the evening of the event.

More info on the Hoog events can be found at the main Hoog website and also on FringeGuru’s site.

Good luck!

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Update 27th December - Congratulations to George Shanks  who wins two tickets to the main Hoog event on the 31st December.  You can still enter our competition for a five person tickets to the Family Hoog event on the 30th

Update 28th December – Congratulations to Julia Forsyth who wins the Family Hoog tickets.

If you wish another chance to win two more tickets to the Hoog on the 31st, then Fringe Guru is place to be.  See his site for details.  Good luck!

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay carnival opens for business on Monday 28th December in Market Street.  Here you will find some of the more extreme rides to compliment the Big Wheel and other attractions.  Open every day from 11am – 11pm until Monday 4th January 2010.

On the 31st, the rides are open until 12.30am on the 1st meaning you could bring in the New Year upside down or spinning round!

Prices vary and this area can be exceptionally busy, so keep an eye on your belongings and pockets.  Music is pumped out very loudly in the early evening, so if going with kids, be sure to visit in the day time to have a more enjoyable experience.

Suitable for disabled ?   The street itself is on a slope, but it is unsure at the time if any of the rides are suitable for those less mobile.