EDINBURGH'S Hogmanay celebrations are to be kicked off by the torchlit procession, with friends and families from all over the world expected to take part.
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed the return of the torchlight procession to launch 2024/2025’s Hogmanay celebrations.
The event will kick off four days of festivities as a parade of fire is makes the way through the capital’s streets on December 29, with torches carried in aid of local and national charities.
The torchlight procession has become one of Edinburgh Hogmanay's most beloved events and this year will fundraise for four official charity partners: One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, and local charities working to end homelessness, Social Bite and Simon Community Scotland.
With £2 from each torch sold and £1.50 from procession tickets donated directly to charity, and fundraising activity across both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, organisers aim to raise over £55,000 throughout the Winter Festivals to be split evenly between the charities.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is produced by Unique Assembly, presented on behalf of Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council.
Tickets for the torchlight procession, on sale from 10am Friday, November 1, can be found here.
The family-friendly event will welcome locals and tourists alike to "a carnival atmosphere" in the Meadows from 6pm with live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers, before the ceremonial torchlight procession embarks on its route through the Old Town at 7.30pm, with a finale underneath Edinburgh Castle between 8.30pm - 9pm.
Around 20,000 participants are expected to take part.
The route will see the procession pass some of the capital’s most famous landmarks including the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Tolbooth Kirk, the National Library of Scotland and much more.
Leading the procession through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town will be Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad, who previously made history when they appointed the first ever female Jarl.
Rebecca Edser, head of EventScotland said: “Lighting up the heart of the city’s streets, the Torchlight Procession has become a time-honoured tradition of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, honouring Scotland’s culture, heritage and spirit while setting the stage for four days of New Year’s festivities across our capital city.
“Uniting both locals and visitors from across the world, the event is a key contributor to the wider visitor economy and shines a spotlight on Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
City of Edinburgh Council culture and communities convener councillor Val Walker said: "I’m delighted to see the Torchlight Procession returning to the streets of Edinburgh this year. It’s a breath-taking sight as thousands make their way through our capital’s historic streets, their torches lighting up the night— it’s a moving symbol of unity and hope for the year ahead.
"It is also raising vital funds for four wonderful charities. This highlight of the Hogmanay programme is always a favourite among residents and visitors alike, and I have no doubt it will be just as popular this year.”
Directors of Unique Assembly, which creates and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Torchlight Procession is an incredible event, which is much-loved by both locals and visitors to the city, signalling the start of both Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the world’s New Year celebrations.
"We’d like to thank EventScotland for their continued support of the event, and can’t wait to welcome participants to once again light-up the city and help fundraise for this year’s incredible charities.”
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, president of One City Trust said: “We're thrilled that proceeds from this incredible event will go to One City Trust. Every penny raised brings us one step closer to a fairer, more inclusive city.
"These funds allow us to support essential initiatives that address poverty, advance equality, and create opportunities for those who need them most – especially those affected by the housing emergency declared in the city."
