Torchlight Procession returns to kick off Hogmanay celebrations
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed the return of the spectacular Torchlight Procession to launch 2024/2025’s Hogmanay celebrations.
Article Source: Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Last Updated: 31 October 2024 10:00
The event will kick off four days of festivities as a river of fire is weaved through the capital’s streets, with torches carried in aid of local and national charities.
The family-friendly event on 29 December marks the start of New Year celebrations around the world as organisers once again join forces with presenting partner EventScotland to mark four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with the iconic event. 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 are on sale from 10am Friday 1 November via www.edinburghshogmanay.com
The Torchlight Procession will see up to 20,000 participants blaze a trail through the Old Town of Scotland’s historic capital, beginning at the Meadows where guests will enjoy a host of entertainment from Edinburgh’s Beltane Society and more. 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 fiery finale underneath Edinburgh Castle between 8.30pm - 9pm.
Thousands of torch carriers will lead the way up Middle Meadow Walk, crossing George IV Bridge and making their way along Johnston Terrace before reaching a picturesque finishing point on Castle Terrace beneath Edinburgh Castle. 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 breathtaking 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 who create 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."
The Torchlight Procession marks the beginning of Edinburgh’s world-renowned celebrations, followed by the Night Afore Disco Party on 30 December with the ultimate party night as DJ sensation Hot Dub Time Machine is joined by party animals The Cuban Brothers and Edinburgh funk trio High Fade in West Princes Street Gardens, plus Edinburgh’s own Idlewild will headline a special hometown show at the Assembly Rooms on 30 December. On Hogmanay itself, there’s a feast of live music and entertainment to choose from: the family-friendly Bairns New Year Revels at Assembly Rooms, a stunning Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral for a tranquil start to the New Year, New Year Revels returns to Assembly Rooms with a night of live music and ceilidh dancing; and 55,000 party-goers will ring in the bells at Edinburgh’s world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens headlined by Scottish music icons Texas and special guest Callum Beattie. Closing out Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivities and starting the New Year with a bang, there’s a host of music as the festival branches out to Portobello and Leith for live music on 1 January for the free First Footin’ Culture Trail, Sprogmanay, and more family Ceilidh events.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund, EventScotland part of VisitScotland - the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
Image credit: Andy Catlin
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced
The French Film Festival UK have announced the 2024 programme with more than 200 screenings of 60 French-language films across more than 25 different locations.
READ MORE
Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!
Lightbulb Film Distribution have announced that Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound will be released in UK & Irish cinemas for one night only on November 19th.
READ MORE
Torchlight Procession returns to kick off Hogmanay celebrations
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed the return of the spectacular Torchlight Procession to launch 2024/2025’s Hogmanay celebrations.
READ MORE
Rare Visayan spotted deer born at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the birth of an adorable endangered Visayan spotted deer.
READ MORE
Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November
Dobbies Garden Centres will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.
READ MORE
Build your confidence with Edinburgh Open Workshop
Edinburgh Open Workshop has launched a scheme to support new makers keen to start their woodworking journey and build their confidence and skills working with tools and machinery.
READ MORE
Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events
25p from every ticket sold for Fawkes Festival, Starry Nights at Dean Castle and the brand-new Starry Nights experience at Beecraigs Country Park will be donated to Cash for Kids.
READ MORE
Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles
The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.
READ MORE
Manahatta Edinburgh is now Open
The wait is over! Manahatta, the stylish bar and restaurant inspired by the glitz and glamour of New York City, is now officially open in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Raise a glass to autumn craft beer festival in the Grassmarket
Edinburgh’s iconic Cold Town House has announced plans to host a new autumn beer festival in the city’s Grassmarket on Saturday 9th November.
READ MORE
Roxy Leisure launch Christmas Offers
Roxy Leisure, ‘The home of booze & ball games’, has announced the launch of this year’s exclusive Christmas offers, to enjoy across their Roxy Ball Room and Roxy Lanes venues.
READ MORE
Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland
Following a successful event at the SEC last weekend, tickets for the 2025 Scottish Wedding Show are on sale, giving brides and grooms-to-be the chance to secure tickets to the upcoming event.
READ MORE
World Opera Day 2024 Edinburgh Playhouse Welcomes Two Stand-Out Operas
Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in March 2025, presenting two stunning traditional productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and La Bohème at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award
rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’ was last night announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in Stirling’s Albert Halls.
READ MORE
People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.
READ MORE
Leap Into World Lemur Day with Five Sisters Zoo
Join us in celebrating World Lemur Day at Five Sisters Zoo on Friday, 25th October with a special Instagram Live session!
READ MORE
Christmas arrives in Edinburgh as St James Quarter unveils festive activity
St James Quarter switches on the festive spirit with a seasonal parade and a host of extravagant events.
READ MORE
Edinburgh charities supporting young people invited to apply for funding
Ansvar Insurance is delighted to launch its search for three outstanding charities to support, offering a generous donation of £75,000 to each over the next three years.
READ MORE
Day Trips from Edinburgh without a car
Scottish Government campaign encourages people in Edinburgh to help tackle the climate emergency through individual lifestyle changes, such as changing the way we travel in our everyday lives.
READ MORE
Pubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow to sell limited edition glasses for Poppy Appeal
Marston's and The Royal British Legion have partnered to create brand new, poppy-themed glasses to raise vital funds for veterans during this year’s Poppy Appeal.
READ MORE
Plans unveiled for first Edinburgh city centre public garden in 200 years
World renowned landscape garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith to support The Royal High School Preservation Trust’s ambitious garden project on Calton Hill.
READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street marks one million milestone
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating a massive milestone this week, having now welcomed over 1 million visitors from 141 countries just three years since opening.
READ MORE
New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.
READ MORE
All aboard as Somewhere By Nico presents Murder on the Midnight Express
Now open for bookings until 24th November, guests are invited to indulge in the new and thrilling cocktail experience inspired by the classic game of suspense.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay expands to Portobello and Leith with live music programme
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed a stellar line-up of live music events taking place across Scotland’s capital throughout 2024/2025’s New Year festivities.
READ MORE
Scottish Institute prepares to welcome the next generation of performers
The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television is preparing to open its doors on 31st October, inviting potential future students to explore its state-of-the-art facilities.
READ MORE
Further casting announced for major UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Michael Harrison is delighted to reveal further casting for the second tour of the acclaimed London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat coming to Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Positive Stories for Negative Times: Season 4
Positive Stories for Negative Times, presented by Wonder Fools, is an international participatory project culminating in 4 major youth arts festivals in 2025.
READ MORE
Scottish community pubs to collect advent calendars for communities in need
17 Scottish community pubs are asking their customers to donate advent calendars this year so everyone gets a treat in the lead up to Christmas.
READ MORE
One week until Paisley Halloween Festival returns
Paisley Halloween Festival which comes back to town next week with some exciting event changes to celebrate its 10-year anniversary... here's everything you need to know!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links