THE organisers of the most famous Hogmanay party in the world are expecting 150,000 visitors to Scotland’s capital over three days, bringing an estimated £40 million to the city.
The musical line-up across the seven stages on Hogmanay will see 75,000 revellers and the flagship Concert in the Gardens - which sold out in a record 10 days - features headliners Biffy Clyro making their only UK appearance this year who are joined by Idlewild and Honeyblood for an all-Scottish line-up.
There is an additional stage and extra screens, expanded entertainment zones and dedicated "food and drink villages".
The Waverley Stage will be headlined by Newcastle alt-rock band and Mercury Prize nominees Maxïmo Park, the new Castle Stage features performances from leading Scottish Celtic crossover bands Rura, Peatbog Faeries and Shooglenifty.
The Frederick Stage provides the soundtrack to the whole Street Party with DJ sets from BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles.
The celebrations launch on Wednesday, December 30 with the Torchlight Procession as 10,000 torchbearers wind their way through the streets lined with tens of thousands of spectators.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, said: “We are the home of Hogmanay and there is nowhere in the world that celebrates New Year like the Scots.
"As the bells strike midnight the eyes of the world turn to Edinburgh and Scotland and I warmly invite people from near and far to visit and join the celebrations.
"Attracting over 150,000 visitors - and with many thousands more watching from home - Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a key event within Scotland’s Winter Festivals and our world leading programme of festivals.
Pete Irvine, Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “Today we announce the strongest line-up we’ve ever had at the Street Party and with a big Scottish presence.
"Each stage offers decidedly different music and the whole party will get down (and up) to a funk and soul classic soundtrack from Craig Charles on the Frederick Party Stage, broadcast on seven screens.
"This year we go full Hogmanay circle, back to the Royal Mile for the new Old Town Ceilidh - stages, screens, bars, fireworks and dancing in the street around the Cathedral in an unforgettable Scottish experience."
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