Introducing Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2010: Setting the World on Fire

There seem to me to be two types of Hogmanay revellers: those who are constantly trying to better the previous year’s shenanigans by planning the most debauched night possible, and those deliberately seeking a low-key affair in order to escape the pressure to have ‘the best night of the year’. Both groups should be pleased that this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay events are spread over 5 days; you can either pack in as much as possible or choose the odd special event so the whole period is a more laid-back affair. There’s no need for me to go into details about what will be taking place here (you can just read ahead for that) but it’s worth flagging up that one of the themes of this year is fire and light. With winter traditions across Scotland involving elaborate fire displays (the capital’s torchlight procession being one) it seems fitting that this year French street theatre, Carabosse will be coming to Edinburgh for the first time to create a remarkable display using their giant fire structures. I can imagine that, combined with the gothic setting of The Royal Mile, this is going to be a spectacular sight. And what’s more, it’s free! Just think of The Wickerman but without the fear factor. So, whether you choose to indulge your pyromaniac tendencies and see the Carabosse display, join the torchlight procession and delight in the midnight fireworks, or even if you just end up sitting at home with a damp sparkler, be sure to have a brilliant Hogmanay.