Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival opens with torch procession

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival has opened with an ‘iconic’ torchlight procession which also marked the start of Scotland’s Year of Young People.

Around 20,000 people, including 17,000 torchbearers, took part in the procession down the Royal Mile, past Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.

Thirty Vikings from Shetland’s Up Helly Aa Festival were among those taking part, along with young people performing with the massed pipes and drums and people samba drumming.

Around 20,000 people, including 17,000 torchbearers, took part in the procession down the Royal Mile, past Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament

Thirty Vikings from Shetland's Up Helly Aa Festival were among those taking part, along with young people performing with the massed pipes and drums and people samba drumming.

Thirty Vikings from Shetland’s Up Helly Aa Festival were among those taking part, along with young people performing with the massed pipes and drums and people samba drumming.

It culminated in Holyrood Park, where the word chosen through the ScotWord campaign was revealed through torchlight.

Some 2,000 torchbearers spelled out braw, the word chosen by young people through a campaign which urged them to select one word which best answers the question: ‘What makes you proud to live in Scotland?’

The ScotWord – braw means good or great – was unveiled to mark the start of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, which aims to celebrate the young.

Underbelly, which produces Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, said the event was a great success.

The legendary "Up Helly Aa" Vikings from Shetland, in full costume with flaming torches, took centre stage at Torchlight Procession

The legendary ‘Up Helly Aa’ Vikings from Shetland, in full costume with flaming torches, took centre stage at Torchlight Procession

The procession culminated in Holyrood Park, where the word chosen through the ScotWord campaign was revealed through torchlight

The procession culminated in Holyrood Park, where the word chosen through the ScotWord campaign was revealed through torchlight

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: ‘When we set about designing Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2018, we wanted to engage the people of Scotland and at the start of Scotland’s Year of Young People, most especially young Scotland.

‘This is a country that empowers young people and has a proud history of discourse that we’re so pleased to see is flourishing.

‘ScotWord is the blazing voice of Scotland’s young people telling the world why they’re proud to live in this extraordinary country and what better word to sum that up than braw?

‘The iconic procession was a huge success made all the more wonderful by the young performers who entertained us all.

‘There is a lot more to come over the next two days and we look forward to sharing our spectacular Street Party with you tomorrow, as well as welcoming families to the first ever Bairns Afore.’

Some 2,000 torchbearers spelled out braw, the word chosen by young people through a campaign which urged them to select one word which best answers the question: 'What makes you proud to live in Scotland?'

Some 2,000 torchbearers spelled out braw, the word chosen by young people through a campaign which urged them to select one word which best answers the question: ‘What makes you proud to live in Scotland?’

The ScotWord - braw means good or great - was unveiled to mark the start of Scotland's Year of Young People 2018, which aims to celebrate the young

The ScotWord – braw means good or great – was unveiled to mark the start of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, which aims to celebrate the young

Edinburgh’s three-day Hogmanay festival includes the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens on New Year’s Eve and the Loony Dook in South Queensferry on January 1.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ‘Hundreds of young people have shared what makes them proud of Scotland’s rich and diverse culture.

‘Year of Young People 2018 is an opportunity to further strengthen their voice and celebrate the amazing ideas, talents and achievements which make up our nation’s young people.

‘Next year will provide a platform for young people to take centre stage, with an exciting programme of cultural, music and sporting events taking place across the country for all ages to enjoy.

Edinburgh's three-day Hogmanay festival includes the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens on New Year's Eve and the Loony Dook in South Queensferry on January 1

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'Hundreds of young people have shared what makes them proud of Scotland's rich and diverse culture

Edinburgh’s three-day Hogmanay festival includes the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens on New Year’s Eve and the Loony Dook in South Queensferry on January 1

‘Importantly, it will celebrate their contributions amongst local communities and give them a stronger voice on issues which most affect their lives.’

An estimated 25,000 people watched the procession.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: ‘It is a special moment to lead such a breathtaking torchlight procession through Scotland’s capital and to see people come together from all over the world to celebrate the start of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

‘You see the city at its best and you can’t help but feel proud of its streets and its people.’

Edinburgh's Lord Provost Frank Ross said: 'It is a special moment to lead such a breathtaking torchlight procession through Scotland's capital and to see people come together from all over the world to celebrate the start of Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: ‘It is a special moment to lead such a breathtaking torchlight procession through Scotland’s capital and to see people come together from all over the world to celebrate the start of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay



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