Edinburgh-based Unique Events has been chosen to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. Unique has been involved in the organisation of the New Year festival for the last 15 years.
It was the winning tender from a two final bids, the other being Newcastle-based Event International. The decision has to be formally approved by the City of Edinburgh Council's Economic Development committee on 27 May.
Pete Irvine of Unique Events said: "We are delighted to be appointed
to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the New Year celebrations for the city
we love. There is much work to be done and real challenges ahead but we
are glad to have the opportunity to continue to develop this world
class event ensuring that Edinburgh remains the Home of Hogmanay."
The contract begins immediately and is to last three years, subject
to annual review, and with an option to extend for a further two years.
Talks on the 2008 event will begin as soon as possible between Unique
Events and Edinburgh's Winter Festivals, the Council-based management team which oversees the Christmas and New Year festivities.
"I'm delighted that Unique came out the best in the bidding process," said Councillor Cardownie, adding, "it further demonstrates the sort of hard work and innovation we've seen from them in previous years. The competition to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay was fierce, which is a reflection of the standing in which it is held."
The centrepiece of the New Year celebrations is Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party, held on Princes Street on 31 December, where 100,000 revellers see in the New Year with three stages of live music and entertainment underneath the shadow of Edinburgh castle, rounded off with a large fireworks display.
They also include a live concert in West Princes Street Gardens, which has featured Texas, KT Tunstall, Kasabian, Blondie, Moby and the Scissor Sisters in recent years, a torchlight procession and a street-theatre and arts carnival in George Street on 30 December.