Despite being a dreich night thousands of torch-bearers produced spectacular river of fire through the Scottish capital's Old Town and New Town at the start of the three-day Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival celebrations last night.
With organisers reporting a record crowd of between 27,000 and 30,000, 6,500 being torch carriers. Also in the mix where the Up Helly Aa’ Vikings from Shetland and a collection pipe bands leading Edinburgh's annual Torchlight Procession from St Giles Cathedral to Calton Hill. As if there was not enough fire and smoke in the air the Vikings set their torches to an amazing bonfire burning off an effigy representing this year’s Hogmanay theme of "Let’s Play" The evening went out with a bang with a spectacular fireworks finale.
Organisers said that there were record pre-sales of torches this year, and 6,500 torches - the largest number ever - were all sold out before the start of the procession. Proceeds from the torch sales, which cost £6 in advance, go to Radio Forth Cash for Kids and Barnardo’s Scotland.
Lord Provost George Grubb said in his opening speech “I can't think of a better place in the world than Edinburgh to “see in” the New Year. Our world famous celebrations are broadcast across the globe, and last year the ‘midnight moment’ of fireworks over the castle was shown in over 150 countries. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all participants in this year's Torchlight Procession and especially to those who are visiting the city for Hogmanay.”
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