Hogmanay bosses not to overspend

Unique Events will continue to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay events

Edinburgh Hogmanay producers have been ordered to keep costs down after going over budget by £300,000 last year.

Edinburgh City Council is understood to overspend every year on the Winter Festivals but hopes to stay within the £1.33m budget this year.

It is estimated Edinburgh's Winter Festivals had a £33.4m economic impact last year - up 7% on the previous year.

Edinburgh-based firm, Unique Events, will produce the city's Hogmanay celebration for the next three years.

The council was forced to spend more last year on marketing after the event was cancelled the previous year.

Jenny Dawe, Edinburgh City Council leader, said: "Edinburgh's winter festival programme is world-renowned, with a fabulous offering of entertainment and culture for visitors and residents alike.

"The Winter Festivals bring £33.4million to the city economy, proving that the benefit to the city far outweighs the Council's relatively modest sums made by the Council investment.

"I believe Edinburgh truly comes alive during the Winter Festivals and I look forward to hearing what this year's Christmas and New Year programmes have to offer."