The Street Party Survival Guide

 

We’re not your parents so we’ll skim over all that obvious stuff about not carrying glass (they won’t let you in) or being too wasted (they also won’t let you in) or wearing next to nothing (they’ll let you in, you just might die of hypothermia) and instead skip straight to the more valuable information we have gleaned from the wise folk who write for this fair publication.

Remember that there are three stages to choose from, each with their own atmosphere. If you fancy rocking the bells with the rabble-rousing anthems of The Enemy, don't end up at the Party Stage, where the kitsch hip-hop fun of the Cuban Brothers takes control. Pick your stage, and get there early. Even if the entire street will be a celebration, choosing the right vibe is vital.

It’s customary (as in most countries) to move in for that New Year’s kiss post countdown. Lecherous types may take advantage of this. If you’re single and don’t have an obvious choice of whom to share this moment with, be very careful who you stand next to as it nears to midnight. If the thought of having physical contact with strangers (or even friends) fills you with fear, adopt the head down, arms folded stance which should give the appropriate message to those in the vicinity (at least one of our team can vouch for this) [though do still smile at folks - ed.].
 
Don’t worry about not knowing all the words to Auld Lang Syne, no-one does and they project it on to the big screens anyway which means everyone can sing along in a karaoke style. If you’ve been a member of a local choir since you were 6 this is perhaps not the opportunity to loudly let everyone know about your pitch-perfect singing abilities. One of our section editors' ex-boyfriends did this, and well, yes, that prefix was added soon after.

Finally, be ready for the fireworks. Edinburgh is the perfect city for urban fireworks: from Princes Street, you'll catch the castle lighting up, and the explosions casting glorious colour over the Gardens. Don't be tempted to leave after your favourite band has been spirited away: it's the oohs and ahhs of the crowd when the rockets hit the sky that makes this more than an outdoor festival with a sparkling line up. It's the perfect moment to turn that post-bells kiss into a romantic moment.