Organisers have declared Edinburgh’s Hogmanay the ‘best street party ever’ after selling out on their very first event.
Underbelly, which won the contract to produce the famous street party last year, said 75,000 revellers gathered for their inaugural show in the city – which underwent a complete facelift from previous years.
The producers, renowned for their involvement in the Edinburgh Fringe, brought in leading creatives – including London Olympics producer Martin Green – to relaunch the event on its 25th anniversary.
Headliner Rag ‘n’ Bone Man electrified crowds with a breathtaking vocal performance and then a moving rendition of Auld Lang Syne after the midnight fireworks – staged by Titanium.
The pyrotechnics, which were extended by three minutes to keep up with international destinations, were set to a specially commissioned soundscape created by Skye band Niteworks and award-winning sound designer and film composer Dan Jones.
Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council said: “The day started with a storm and ended with a bang – without a doubt this was the best party ever. Our 9 minutes fireworks choreographed to Niteworks’ and Dan Jones’ score was truly spectacular and who will forget Rag’n’Bone man leading 75,000 in Auld Lang Syne? What a special way to ring in 2018.
“We’re particularly proud of the first Bairns Afore event – it was quite magical to see families looking up and enjoying their very own midnight moment together and at 6pm in the evening.
“Our specially-built DJ booth had crowds dancing in the street and under the Mac Twins and Huey Morgan right through to the wee small hours.
“It’s been spectacular and we’d like to thank all those who came and made the party such a great night for Edinburgh and Scotland.”
Free Hogmanay NightBus Services ran throughout the capital, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and provided by Lothian Buses. Edinburgh Trams also ran free services helping partygoers get home safely.
Chief Superintendent Kenny Macdonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh has once again shown why it’s one of the greatest cities in the world, welcoming in the New Year in tremendous fashion. I would like to thank all of my officers and staff and the stewards for their outstanding work in helping us deliver another fantastic event.
“Extensive planning and discussions between ourselves, City of Edinburgh Council and Underbelly took place over several months, allowing us to deploy appropriate resources within the Street Party arena and ensure we kept the public safe.
“In addition to uniformed officers, specialist resources, including armed officers were present on the evening. This was purely as a precaution, but I think it provided the public with a sense of reassurance while they enjoyed the festivities.
“It is very pleasing to note that the Street Party passed with no major incidents and only 4 arrests were made for minor disorder offences.
“A comprehensive analysis of our arrest figures will be compiled as the day continues.”
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