Edinburgh Gets Ready for Days of Spectacular New Year Celebrations
(PRWEB UK) 27 December 2013 -- As tens of thousands of visitors are flocking to Edinburgh for the traditional New Year's Eve celebrations, Edinburgh accommodation expert Alpha Holiday Lettings looks into what is on offer. Divided into the ‘Old Town,’ an atmospheric jumble of medieval streets and courtyards, and the orderly Georgian-era architecture of the ‘New Town,’ Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most historic, romantic and handsome towns. The city is steeped in Scottish tradition from the daily firing of the ‘one o’clock gun’ at Edinburgh’s magnificent castle to the annual procession and festival of ‘Beltane’ to welcome the coming of summer.
Edinburgh’s most spectacular, joyous and unforgettable celebration, however, is reserved for ‘Hogmanay,’ a traditional Scottish festival lasting three days and heralding the New Year. At this time, the entire city – and countless visitors keen to join in the revelry – enjoys a series of activities, events and concerts. These begin with Edinburgh’s spectacular Torchlight Procession on December 30th which begins in the Old Town and finishes on the summit of Calton Hill. A sell-out event every year, in 2012 more than 35,000 people looked on as the city was illuminated by thousands of torch bearers led by traditional bagpipers and drummers.
Edinburgh’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are justifiably legendary. As around eighty-thousand revellers from around the globe gather in the city, Edinburgh is transformed into the world’s largest and best street party, featuring a host of live musicians, DJs and other performers, an electric atmosphere, and culminating in a rapturous welcoming in of the New Year with the massed singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and a stunning firework display as the clock strikes twelve.
On New Year's Day itself – for those with iron constitutions – sees Edinburgh’s annual ‘Queensferry Loony Dook’ take place. In this charitable event thousands of brave souls, cheered on by spectators lining the city’s streets, run to the shore of the icy-cold River Forth and plunge in, ensuring a literally breath-taking start to the New Year.
Hogmanay celebrations aside, Edinburgh is wonderful city to explore and offers unforgettable landmarks such as the Royal Mile; the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an official residence of the Queen and Royal Family; both the National Museum and the National Gallery of Scotland, and Arthur’s Seat; a beautiful hill which overlooks, and offers panoramic views of, the city. These, as well as Edinburgh’s outstanding parks and gardens, eclectic shops, fine bars and restaurants ensure the city’s continuing popularity.
And each August, the city grabs the global limelight once more as hundreds of thousands of visitors and participants arrive for the month-long Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival. This mass celebration of art, culture and performance coupled with the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo once again sees the city’s sunlit streets thronging with visitors and performers to create a unique carnival atmosphere.
For anyone keen to experience historic Edinburgh’s unique hospitality, entertainment and ambience, or to enjoy some of the most memorable New Year’s celebrations in the world, the sound advice from AlphaHolidayLettings.com is to book your Edinburgh apartments and accommodation well in advance.
About Alpha Holiday Lettings
Alpha Holiday Lettings a leading holiday rentals website, offering self-catering apartments, cottages and holiday villas in Spain, England, France, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, Turkey and other destinations around the world. Most properties listed on Alpha Holiday Lettings are privately owned and are booked directly with holiday home owners. For more information, visit http://www.alphaholidaylettings.com.
Tom Lei, Alpha Holiday Lettings, http://www.AlphaHolidayLettings.com, +44 1614083833, [email protected]
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