Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party was being called "a major success" by organisers the City of Edinburgh Council and Unique Events early this morning, after thousands crowded into the city centre for the count-down to 2012.
Scottish rockers Primal Scream, Bombay Bicycle Club and Sons & Daughters revved the crowd up before the bells in the Concert in the Gardens, while there was a broad mix of different music on five stages along the length of Princes Street. Among the highlights were The Vaccines, Friendly Fires, DJ Mark Ronson and, on the new Scott Monument Stage, Peatbog Faeries and Capercaillie.
The Keilidh saw around 2750 revellers enjoying Scottish roots artists including Hugh McDiarmid’s Haircut and Ceilidhdonia as well as fun on the Edinburgh Wheel and Carousel.
At the strike of midnight, the sky lit up with the longest fireworks display in the 19-year history of Edinburgh's Hogmanay.
The event's first live webcast for up to 20,000 seemed to go well although the medium resolution stream was fairly blocky during fireworks or manic concert numbers (you can still watch the one-hour video stream).
On the ground, organisers reported that partygoers were generally very good-natured and waited patiently as police and stewards checked their tickets and bags at the entrance gates.
There were three arrests for minor breach of the peace within the arena and, based on preliminary figures, its seems a very well behaved crowd resulted in low numbers of casualties being sent to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with minor injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: "On behalf of Lothian and Borders Police, I would like to thank those who attended the street party for co-operating with police and stewards and helping us to ensure that the event was safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
"I would also like to thank all of our partners - Council, organisers, and the emergency services - for their assistance and co-operation this evening, and throughout the planning stages.
"Together we are pleased to have played our part in ensuring that this year has been yet another great success for Edinburgh. May I take this opportunity to wish everyone well for 2012, and we look forward to next year's Hogmanay celebrations."
Edinburgh's Festivals and Events Champion, Councillor Steve Cardownie, and Pete Irvine, Director, Unique Events called this year's event “one of the best".
"We have certainly launched 2012 in style,” said Irvine.
Council staff began the big clean-up of around 60 to 75 tonnes of refuse at around 3am, after the celebrations ended.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay festivities continue for the third and last day today with the Loony Dook (pictured) and New Year Games.