Accessibility

This event takes place in the City Centre, where most surfaces are standard roads, cobbled streets or public paths. Please note the Torchlight Procession is an all-standing event with no seating areas available, and it can become very busy. The route is approximately 1.5km long.

Please check our Access Guide for more information. 

Ticket Information

All tickets for the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are paperless e-tickets. Your confirmation email contains a QR code with all tickets in your order.

Please download your e-ticket to your digital device and have the QR code ready to be scanned on the night. Your QR Code can be stored in Google and Apple wallets. Please be aware that internet access may be limited due to the large number of people in the area.  

Please note:

• You must purchase at least one torch per two people. Entry Wristbands and/or additional torches are needed for all additional participants in your party
• You must have a Torch or Entry Wristband to participate in the Torchlight Procession
• If there is more than one person in your group, you MUST purchase participant wristbands and/or additional torches for them to participate in the Procession
• Anyone under 16yrs MUST be accompanied at all times by an adult over 18 years of age

Route

The Torchlight Procession will start at The Meadows, participants will be lead through the picturesque surroundings of the historic Old Town finishing beneath Edinburgh Castle.

Maps will be released in the lead up to the event. 

Torch Collection

E-tickets will be scanned on the day from Torch Collections Points and exchanged for Torches and wristbands.

Details on collection station locations and opening times will be released later this year.

Event Timings

Early Afternoon – Torch Collection opens 
18:30 – Pre-Entertainment begins at The Meadows 
19:30 – Procession begins / approx. 45min route 
21:00 – Event finishes 

Event Guidelines

• Torchlight Procession is an outdoor event using wax-based torches. Please dress appropriately
• Please wear warm outdoor clothing and suitable footwear for walking
• No children’s buggies are permitted in the Procession
• Torchlight Procession is a very busy outdoor event, please ensure you have a charged mobile phone for communicating with friends and family… and for taking lots of photos
• Torch collection points will be open from early afternoon on the day. We recommend collecting your torches and procession wristbands early to avoid queuing closer to the event

Event Safety

Torchlight Procession is an incredibly safe event, but we need participants to help maintain this and follow all safety instructions when carrying torches. 

• Event Stewards and staff are there to help you. Please don’t be worried about asking for help in any situation, whether to assist with event information, lighting, extinguishing torches or reporting something or someone you are concerned about 
• In the Interests of safety, Event Organisers reserve the right to conduct security searches of bags and clothing on entry
• Avoid bringing any bags larger than a sheet of A3 paper (297mm x 420mm)  
• Torches will be lit before departure by trained Event Stewards. Participants must not light torches until instructed to by an Event Steward
• Torches are wax-based (like a big candle), and safety guards are supplied to protect hands from dripping wax
• Please note – when windy, wax from the torches can be blown onto clothing. Whilst easily removable (Top Tip – an iron and brown paper will remove wax), please dress appropriately and do not wear delicate fabrics when carrying torches 
• Please stay on designated paths and roads for the Procession and be aware of other participants with torch flames
• All torches will be extinguished and disposed of at the end location of the Torchlight Procession. Extinguishing points will also be located throughout the route for anyone who wishes to dispose of their torch
• Please report any suspicious activities or safety concerns to the event staff

For further safety information, please visit our Safety Tips page.

Prohibited Items

Participants cannot use any other open flames at the event.

Organisers reserve the right to remove anyone deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances and they will not be permitted to participate in the event.

Please note the following list of prohibited items which will not be permitted at the event for safety:

• No Alcohol
• No Glass of any kind
• No Flares or Smoke Canisters
• No Chinese Lanterns
• No portable laser equipment or pens
• No pyrotechnics/fireworks (we have more than enough for everyone to enjoy)
• This event has a strict NO-DRONE policy
• No Children’s Buggies
• No Umbrellas
• No Dogs or Animals (except registered assistance dogs)
• No unauthorised professional film or camera equipment. Cameras for personal use are welcome

Charity Donation

A charity donation will be collected to distribute to our local charity partners including One City Trust, When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland and others.