Torchlight Procession

Event Review

Our iconic Torchlight Procession remains a favourite with Hogmanay festival goers of all ages. Held on Monday 29 December 2008, the event created a dramatic ‘river of fire’ through the city, from the the Royal Mile to Calton Hill.

The procession, which had a record crowd of around 25,000 in attendance, was led off from the City Chambers by the Up Helly Aa Vikings and the massed pipes and drums. A trail was blazed (literally!) through the centre of Edinburgh, down The Mound, along Princes Street and into Waterloo Place on its way to Calton Hill.

The culmination of the procession on Calton Hill saw the lighting of fire sculptures along with music and other performers.

And to celebrate the beginning of the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2009, a special fire sculpture and effigy were burned - a Lion Rampant - one of the most recognisible Scottish symbols in the world.

The evening concluded with a sensational fireworks display that wowed the crowd and sent everyone on their way ready for the remaining Hogmanay festivities to come!

The whole evening raised funds for the One City Trust, with the proceeds from torches (£5 beforehand, £6 on the evening) going to the charity.