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Torchlight kicks off Edinburgh's New Year celebrations

PA Media The torchlight procession in Edinburgh has returned after a four-year absence with thousands lining the streets for the spectacular light showPA Media
Thousands of people lined the streets in Edinburgh to take part in the procession

Thousands of people lined the streets in Edinburgh for the return of the traditional torchlight procession after a four-year absence.

The event - which kicked off the city's New Year celebrations - was not held last year due to funding difficulties.

The 2020 and 2021 editions were also cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

About 20,000 participants created a "river of fire" through the streets of the Old Town from the Meadows to the foot of Edinburgh Castle.

It marked the 30th year the capital has hosted a Hogmanay festival.

Celebrations will continue throughout the weekend, with legendary indie band Pulp headlining a concert in Princes Street Gardens on 31 December.

It is the second event organised by Unique Assembly - a collaboration between Unique Events, who founded the festival, and long-time Fringe festival promoters Assembly.

The group won a three-year contract for the world-renowned celebrations in 2022, taking over from previous organisers Underbelly.

PA Media torchlight processionPA Media
The traditional torchlight procession returned after a four-year absence

Cammy Day, leader of City of Edinburgh Council, stated that the Hogmanay festival was an "Edinburgh institution".

He added: "It is also a major contributor to our city's economy, providing jobs and commercial opportunities for local residents and businesses. This is a time where we can celebrate the best of our city as one year closes and look ahead with pride and positivity to the next."

Mr Day recently expressed support for a so-called "tourist tax", or visitor levy, to help fund the city's festivals in future.

Unique Assembly told the Scotsman newspaper that further funding would be needed to keep the festival running in future.

Getty Images Jarivs CockerGetty Images
Jarvis Cocker and his bandmates have enjoyed a successful reunion and tour

Last year's procession was scrapped due to what organisers stated was "the current economic climate, and the drop in available funding".

Other events planned for the weekend include a Saturday night gig by ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again. On Hogmanay on Sunday, a candlelit concert will be held at St Giles Cathedral.

Pulp's appearance in West Princes Street Gardens will be their first appearance in the city for more than 20 years.

The first Hogmanay festival saw Gaelic folk-rock group Capercaillie perform, and an estimated 70,000 people attending a non-ticketed party.

Headliners in the years since then have included Franz Ferdinand, Mark Ronson and the Pet Shop Boys.