Aberdeen’s Hogmanay Celebrations set to bring in the new year in style

23 December 2016

Two top-class bands will be the focal point of Aberdeen’s city centre Hogmanay party.

Performing live on stage at Schoolhill from 9.30pm, the musicians will entertain the crowds on December 31 before a stunning fireworks display at the stroke of midnight from the roof of His Majesty’s Theatre.

The stage will be on Schoolhill, outside the Cowdray Hall, with His Majesty’s Theatre providing a stunning backdrop for the fireworks launch at midnight to welcome in the new year

First to perform on the stage will be The Lorelei, from 9.30pm until 10.15pm. With a unique blend of rock, folk, indie, punk and thrash The Lorelei have been entertaining crowds across the UK since the early 90’s with their renowned, energetic performances.

At 10.45pm Aberdeen’s finest 10-piece, soul and R&B band Funk Connection will take to the stage to perform classic covers for over an hour. This popular group play well-known tracks by artists including James Brown, the Jackson 5, The Zutons, Stevie Wonder and KC and the Sunshine Band.

Just before midnight the music will end ready for the countdown to a unique fireworks display guaranteed to welcome in 2017 in style. The 10 minute long display has been designed by experienced, Inverurie-based firm Fireworx Scotland. Aberdeen City Council are delighted to be working with Fireworx Scotland, who continue to bring their long established knowledge and expertise to the exciting displays in the city.

The Aberdeen Christmas Village on Union Terrace will have extended opening hours until 2am so party-goers can enjoy ice-skating, funfair rides, food and drink both before and after the celebrations at midnight. The market stalls will close at 8pm. Full details including prices are available at www.aberdeenchristmas.co.uk

Aberdeen City Council Deputy Leader Councillor Marie Boulton said: "I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere in the city centre on Hogmanay. The free concert is a great showcase of the talented musicians and singers we have in the area.

“There’s plenty of entertainment on offer on the 31 December, which is the final day of the popular Christmas tree maze in Union Terrace Gardens. As it’s everyone’s last chance to go and visit I’d recommend visiting the gardens early as I’m sure it’ll be busy before it closes at 8pm.

“Whilst Hogmanay signals the end of the festive period and the start of 2017, it doesn’t spell the end of the Winter Festival quite yet. The Christmas Village on Union Terrace continues until 8 January for a final chance to sample the skating rink and enjoy all the fun of the fair”.

Visitors are advised that the areas within the Christmas Village of the Moose Bar, Ice Rink and the Blizzard ride will be temporarily closed and the area cleared for a short period of time to allow the fireworks to be set off at midnight from the HMT rooftop.

While the byelaw for drinking alcohol outside of licensed premises is relaxed across Scotland on Hogmanay, for safety reasons glassware is not allowed in the streets. Therefore drinks will be decanted into plastic cups at several locations including Schoolhill, Belmont Street, and Rosemount Viaduct. Visitors to the city centre are asked to avoid bringing glass bottles onto the street for safety reasons. It is recommended that if bringing your own drink to the event that it is in a plastic container or a can.

Since 2013 Aberdeen city centre has held Purple Flag status due to initiatives which include supporting the well-being of the public at night. The Aberdeen Street Pastors and taxi marshals ensure those on a night out return home safely.

Aberdeen City Council encourages party-goers to remember these three simple pieces of advice to help ensure everyone enjoys their night out; 1) Wrap up warm2) Agree somewhere to meet in case you get separated from friends 3) Carry enough cash to get a bus or taxi home.

Road closures and restrictions

Road closures and restrictions will affect Skene Street, Spa Street, Blackfriars Street, Crooked Lane, Harriet Street, Schoolhill, Denburn Road, Belmont Street, Back Wynd, Gaelic Lane, Union Street, Bridge Street, and Crown Street.

Revellers should be aware First Aberdeen is providing a late night bus service, and Stagecoach services stop at 10pm on 31 December 2016.

Taxi ranks will be open for business at Hadden Street, Diamond Street, Dee Street, Union Row and Chapel Street.

Taxis using the Back Wynd taxi rank can only exit onto Union Street, there will be no right turn onto Little Belmont Street from 2pm onwards on December 31 2016.

Back Wynd will close to all traffic from 10pm. An alternative taxi rank will be placed on Upperkirkgate from 10pm until 00.45am, with access from Broad Street/Gallowgate.

The night time taxi rank situated on the north side of Union Street east of St Nicholas Kirkyard will not be in operation until Union Street is open at approx 00.45am.

Car Parking

Normal parking areas will be available in and around the city centre.There is no dedicated event parking provided. However, city council run car parks will be free from 8pm on Saturday 31 December until 1pm on Sunday 1 January 2017.

Details at http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/

The disabled car parking bays on Schoolhill are unavailable. Alternative bays are on nearby streets and Back Wynd. Disabled pick up/drop off point will be on Schoolhill opposite the junction with Flourmill Lane.

More information on the Hogmanay celebrations including full road closures is available from the Winter Festival website www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/hogmanay