Hundreds of revellers that paid to attend the world-famous New Year celebrations in the capital on December 31 have hit out at the event organisers for a 'shambles' of an event , saying there was 'no crowd control' and queues that lasted more than two hours for the bars.
Assembly stepped in on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council to organise Hogmanay events including the Concert in the Gardens and Street Party that took place for the first time in three years.
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But dozens of angry attendees have slammed the event for the lack of organisation with some claiming they spent hours in lines.
While others left the event before the bells as they were afraid of being crushed in a crowd.
Leandrovertullo from Brazil said: "Street party ?? I didn't see any entertainment, we just waited for the fireworks! paying for it is absolutely dishonest.
"We are from Brazil and we came here expecting to see a beautiful party!
"It was terrible! No security, no entertainment, and no good music. I suggest that the organizers spend a New Year's Eve in Brazil to learn what a party is! Is a refund possible to be fair?"
Another said: "I can’t believe we paid £140 (for 2 ppl) for this s*** show!!! The whole mood was ruined by the one hour entry queue.
"Then there was a queue for food and bar, and there was just one food stall and one bar stall for the whole of the garden crowd. What a shame really! I need a refund."
One said: "It was absolutely the worst Hogmanay ever, shame on you whoever organised it. We won't be back and now we want a refund."
While another added: "I wouldn’t normally comment on anything like this however I think the more people who complain, the better!
"Otherwise nothing will be done.
"Being from Scotland I always wanted to experience Edinburgh Hogmanay! This was my first time. I’m actually embarrassed. We met people who had come from all over the world last night to be let down by this event.
"Like said in previous posts….. lack of security. The crowd crush was dangerous! No entertainment as advertised. So badly organised and dangerous!
"We left before the fireworks. We didn’t want to be there anymore. The number of people who have travelled, booked hotels and spent so much money to be here for that is pure robbery. I will be demanding a refund also."
Another disappointed punter said: "The worst NYE in my life! I had friends crying scared fearing for their safety because of the crowds and the crush we were stuck in.
"There were people having panic attacks around us and the barriers ended up being pushed down so people could move.
"There was no crowd control whatsoever. I don't know how you can call this even a street party when no one could move. There was no music and no space to dance or access any facilities. No idea what our money went towards. Absolute joke and a complete s*** show!"
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Brenda Haynes said: "Such a disappointment of an event. We spent ages queuing up to get in, to be instantly crushed by everyone else.
"Then we tried to leave the event only to continue to be crushed in an overcrowded event by 2 hours before we were able to get out of there. It was a scary experience, especially losing your friends in the crowd and worrying for their safety.
"This event needs better crowd control, you should be ashamed for not caring about the safety of the people.
"I’ve never been so disheartened by an event, I’m just glad my group and myself were able to leave the event with no physical harm caused to us. We had a much better time leaving the event and watching the fireworks from afar"
Directors of UniqueAssembly, who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, said “The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is unlike other festival events due to a large festival size crowd being located within city centre streets rather than an open green field space.
"This brings with it particular challenges and during the event UniqueAssembly work in conjunction with the City of Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland as well as specialist event stewards, event safety officers and other blue light services to ensure crowd safety is never compromised."
They continued: "The queues some revellers experienced to enter the Street Party were caused in part by spot checks for people bringing in larger bags, which were necessary to ensure that all our revellers (and staff) could enjoy the night safely and partly by the challenging weather conditions.
"All gates were clear and everybody was into the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens, headlined by Pet Shop Boys, before 11:00pm.
"We were monitoring the whole Street Party arena all evening. As soon as it became apparent that bottom of Frederick Street, which is a prime viewing spot, was getting very busy we closed that gate and opened another entrance in a quieter area.
"The Frederick Street bar was also temporarily closed to encourage movement away from the area and to steer revellers to the five other bars on the Street."
They also added: "Safety lanes are located on either side of the streets throughout the arena, which can be opened to alleviate crowd pressure when required and lanes were opened in this area to allow audience members safe access out of the busy areas and into sections on either side of Frederick Street which had lower audience numbers in them.
"The barrier lane system is in place for this very reason and sections throughout the Street Party can be opened or closed as required to increase crowd movement either naturally by crowd dynamics or deliberately by event stewards.
"The measures put in place did work and congestions levels eased. However, we are aware that this situation may have been uncomfortable and upsetting for some of those caught up in the crowd at this time and we apologise for any distress felt as a result of this."
Finally clarifying: "Overall our feedback is showing that despite the challenging weather conditions, the vast majority of the 40,000 revellers in the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens enjoyed their night dancing to live DJ sets relayed on big screens along the length of West Princes Street (as advertised).
"Watching fireworks lift from Edinburgh Castle at 9.00pm, 10.00pm and 11.00om before cheering in the New Year to a spectacular 10 minute Midnight Moment with Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle and a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.”"
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