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Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland

A round-up of the biggest New Years Eve celebrations in the World

The Hogmanay festival is a Scottish tradition famous throughout the world. It is when Scots joyously come together to celebrate the previous year and the new, upcoming year. Unlike many parts of the world the celebration is not solely a party for one evening on the 31st December instead the festivities last for days.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is famous for holding the best Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland. Edinburgh hosts the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world with its Hogmanay Street Party, shutting down the city centre so that thousands of people from all over the world can listen to top musicians, join together in a ceilidh dance, watch the most spectacular of fireworks displays and sing the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

firweorks

The Edinburgh Hogmanay festival actually begins on the 30th December with a torchlight process starting at George IV Bridge and proceeding up to Carlton Hill to watch another magnificent firework display. With many celebrations happening on New Year’s Eve during the day, a real highlight is the Candlelit Concert in St Giles Cathedral, a must-do event.

To shift those hangovers in the morning of January 1st hundreds of people gather in South Queensferry to take part in the Loony Dook which involves diving into the River Forth, in the shadow of the famous Forth Rail Bridge, in a skimpy outfit to raise money for charity, proving that Scots are perhaps the barmiest nation of all.

loony dook

This year we totally sold out all our Hogmanay packages, so book early to avoid disappointment. Book from January 5th 2015, to reserve your 2015/16 Hogmanay packages with Glory Days and Destination Edinburgh.

 

 

For further information and other Scottish Hogmanay destination ideas look at:

http://www.visitscotland.com/holidays/seasonal-breaks/hogmanay-breaks

 

Edinburgh International Festival Fireworks

Everyone loves a good fireworks display, and where better to see one than in Edinburgh………..and not just any old display, but the World’s largest annual Fireworks Concert!  That is some accolade, and one that Edinburgh lives up to and is proud of.  Each year, to celebrate the end of the International Festival, the City hosts a spectacular fireworks display to mark a sensational end to what has been a great month.  Set from Edinburgh Castle as a stunning backdrop it is an event not to be missed.  With the concert to take place this weekend it has inspired us to take a look at some of the best fireworks displays around the world

Edinburgh Fireworks

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-19438742

For details of this year’s end of Festival fireworks concert click here:  http://www.eif.co.uk/virginmoneyfireworks#.U_syImOOqBg

 

Sydney’s New Years Eve Fireworks

Sydney Fireworks

 

 

 

 

 

Sydney really knows how to do fireworks in style!  Possibly one of the largest and most spectacular New Year’s Eve firework displays, it really does make for a great start to the New Year

Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night (5th November)

Remember, remember the 5th of November.  The rhyme never forgotten once told.  The day of a series of fireworks across the country, the UK celebrates this to commemorate the day Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, had a foiled attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.   Most places around the country have displays and it is a lovely

Bastille Day (Paris, France)

Paris fireworks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bastille Day is the French National Day, celebrated on July 14th each year and concluding with a spectacular fireworks display.  With the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop it really does offer an iconic display.

 

Independence Day (America – Macy’s 4th July fireworks spectacular)

NYC firweworks

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.nyconthecheap.com/2014/07/best-viewing-spots-brooklyn-macys-fourth-july-2014-fireworks/

Not to be outdone by competition around the globe, it is inevitable that America would feature in a round up of the top displays around the world.  Known for all things supersized, the 4th July firework displays, and Macy’s in particular, follow suit and will not disappoint!

 

With all this to inspire you, head to Edinburgh this Sunday for 9pm and witness for yourself one of the world’s best firework displays