TENS of thousands of revellers packed the streets of Edinburgh last night to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Around 50,000 people flocked to the capital’s popular Hogmanay street party.
The party was in full swing as 40,000 people partied into the first hours of 2024, with a further 10,000 people filling West Princes Street Gardens to enjoy a performance from Pulp and a DJ set from Hot Chip.
Others enjoyed a silent disco and roving street performances from Spark — a group of LED-clad pipers and drummers to provide a colourful display to Hogmanay lovers.
As the clock struck twelve, revellers enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display above the skies of Edinburgh.
The scenes were broadcast across the country as pounds of pyro were set off to bring in the bells and celebrate 2024’s arrival.
Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Once again, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been a huge success and lived up to their world-renowned reputation.
“Seeing the fantastic fireworks display illuminate our capital city and ring in 2024 was a proud and joyous moment for myself and the 50,000 others who attended from far and wide. We saw some fantastic events take place successfully, culminating in Pulp seeing us into 2024 with a performance for the ages.”
Alan Thomson & Dani Rae, Co-Directors of UniqueAssembly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: ” What a spectacular way to bring in 2024 and celebrate 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. A perfect night of incredible music, energetic Ceilidh dancing, a rousing Auld Lang Syne, and one of the best firework displays ever seen from Edinburgh Castle.
“We’d like to thank everyone who joined the party and made it a special night for all involved. Here’s to the next 30 years.”
And it seems the booze-fuelled revellers were on their best behaviour, with senior cops saying officers on the ground had no issues.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Policing Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “Edinburgh has welcomed in 2024 with another wonderful celebration in the shape of the Hogmanay Street Party, which I am glad to say, passed without any major issues for police.
“Our planning has been ongoing for several months and we have worked closely with event organisers, the City of Edinburgh Council and other emergency services to ensure the safe conclusion of all the events that took place over Hogmanay.”
The festivities will continue across the capital with performances from music acts and free events for families throughout the day.
