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Torchlight parade to start Edinburgh's celebrations Torchlight parade begins Edinburgh's celebrations
(about 21 hours later)
Thousands of revellers are set to form a huge torchlight procession through the city centre to mark the start of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. Organisers said record crowds attended a torchlight procession through the city centre to mark the start of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.
More than 6,500 people are set to carry torches through the streets to Calton Hill at 18:30 on Friday. More than 6,500 people carried torches through the streets to Calton Hill. Up to 30,000 people watched or took part in the parade.
The procession leaves from Parliament Square and ends at the Son et Lumiere and fireworks finale on Calton Hill. It was led by 17 Lerwick Up Helly Aa Vikings and five pipe bands with over 100 pipers and drummers.
The Mound, George IV Bridge, North Bridge, Leith Street and Waverley Bridge will close at 17:30 until 21:00. The event kicked off the city's Hogmanay celebrations.
The procession will be led by 17 Lerwick Up Helly Aa Vikings and five pipe bands with over 100 pipers and drummers. The procession was followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
An additional 20,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the procession and the display on Calton Hill.
Edinburgh Castle
The procession kicks off the city's Hogmanay celebrations, which are expected to generate more than £27m for Edinburgh's economy.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations are to feature the longest firework display in the history of the event.
A total of 5.5 tonnes of fireworks, producing more than 15,000 stars, will be let off during the display over Edinburgh Castle.
Visitors are expected from more than 50 countries for the three-day event.Visitors are expected from more than 50 countries for the three-day event.
Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh's festivals and events champion, said: "This year, Edinburgh's Hogmanay was recognised by Wanderlust Magazine as the best place to celebrate the turn of the year - confirming what we've known for a long time.Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh's festivals and events champion, said: "This year, Edinburgh's Hogmanay was recognised by Wanderlust Magazine as the best place to celebrate the turn of the year - confirming what we've known for a long time.
"I'm delighted that so many of this year's events are at capacity already. It promises to be a sensational start to 2012.""I'm delighted that so many of this year's events are at capacity already. It promises to be a sensational start to 2012."