Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 31/10/2024

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed the return of the spectacular Torchlight Procession to launch 2024-2025s Hogmanay celebrations.

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 this iconic event.

The Torchlight Procession has become one of Edinburgh Hogmanay's most beloved events.

This year, the event 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.

£2 from each Torch sold and £1.50 from Procession tickets will be donated directly to charity. Fundraising activity across Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, organisers aim to raise over £55,000 to be split evenly between the charities.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is produced by Unique Assembly and presented on behalf of Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council.

Torchlight Procession route

The Torchlight Procession will see up to 20,000 participants blaze a trail through the Old Town of Scotland’s historic capital.

It will begin 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.

Performances include 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.

The fiery finale will take place underneath Edinburgh Castle  between 8.30pm - 9pm.

Torch carriers at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Torch carriers at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Torchlight Procession. Credit: Kenny Lam VisitScotland

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:

  • National Museum of Scotland

  • Greyfriars Kirkyard

  • Tolbooth Kirk

  • National Library of Scotland

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.

Find out more about the Torchlight Procession at edwinterfest.com

Other festivities

The Torchlight Procession marks the beginning of Edinburgh’s world-renowned celebrations.

This is followed by the Night Afore Disco Party on 30 December with Hot Dub Time Machine, The Cuban Brothers and High Fade in West Princes Street Gardens.  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:

  • Bairns New Year Revels

  • Candlelit Concert

  • New Year Revels

  • Street Party

  • Concert in the Gardens

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.

Find out more about Hogmanay festivities at edwinterfest.com

Lighting up the heart of the city’s streets, the Torchlight Procession has become a time-honoured tradition of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.

It honours Scotland’s culture, heritage, and, spirit while setting the stage for four days of New Year’s festivities across our capital city.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

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.

Directors of Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council

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.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, President of One City Trust

I’m delighted to see the Torchlight Procession return 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.

Val Walker, Councillor, City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener

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