Unique secures Hogmanay contract

By Angie Brown
BBC Scotland news website, Edinburgh and East reporter

Unique Events will continue to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay events

A capital-based firm has been chosen to run Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebration for the next three years, the BBC Scotland news website has learned.

Unique Events has been involved in organising the Scottish capital's New Year festival for the last 15 years.

It had been competing against Newcastle company Event International for the right to produce the event.

The decision by council officials still has to be formally approved by a council committee later this month.

The company organised the launch and climax of the Highland 2007 celebrations of Highland arts and culture in Inverness last year.

Pete Irvine of Unique Events said: "We are delighted to be appointed to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the New Year celebrations for the city we love.

"There is much work to be done and real challenges ahead but we are glad to have the opportunity to continue to develop this world-class event, ensuring that Edinburgh remains the home of Hogmanay."

I'm delighted that Unique came out the best in the bidding process on quality and cost, as it further demonstrates the sort of hard work and innovation we've seen from them in previous years Steve Cardownie Edinburgh City Council's festivals champion

The contract will last for three years, subject to annual review, with an option to extend for a further two years.

Talks on the 2008 event will begin as soon as possible between Unique Events and Edinburgh's Winter Festivals, the council-based management team which oversees the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh City Council's festivals champion, has welcomed the decision.

He said: "Our winter festivals are internationally renowned, bringing a fantastic atmosphere to the city and major economic benefits.

"Unique Events has a well-earned reputation for outstanding events management built over many years at both Edinburgh's Hogmanay and other large events.

"I'm delighted that Unique came out the best in the bidding process on quality and cost, as it further demonstrates the sort of hard work and innovation we've seen from them in previous years."

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a four-day festival which takes place from 29 December to 1 January every year.

The centrepiece of the celebrations is the Hogmanay street party, held on Princes Street on 31 December, where 100,000 revellers see in the New Year with three stages of live music and entertainment.