Event Details:
19:30 (7:30 pm) Torchlight Procession leaves The Meadows
Location:The Meadows
Ticket Information:
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay partnered with EventScotland, is proud to present the spectacular Torchlight Procession, once again lighting-up the city with a river of fire created by 20,000 torch bearers and friends from around the world.
Launching the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival and signalling the start of global New Year celebrations, the Torchlight presents a carnival atmosphere, with live Street Theatre, Fire Performers, and Drummers getting everyone warmed-up, before the Massed Pipes & Drums and Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad (SMUHA) lead the procession through the capital’s historic Old Town.
You must have a Torch or Procession Wristband to participate in this year’s Torchlight Procession.
Anyone under 16yrs MUST be accompanied at all times by an adult over 18 years of age.
Ticket type: e-ticket
One torch required per booking; additional torches/wristbands are needed for each group member.
Please note you will need to purchase at least one torch per booking.
If there is more than one person in your group, you MUST purchase additional torches or wristbands for them to participate in the Procession.
We would recommend one torch between two persons in a group.
Instructions for Torch Collection:
E-tickets will be scanned on the day from Torch Collections Points in The Meadows and exchanged for Torches and wristbands. Torch & Wristband Collection is available from 14:00 (2pm).
Information for E-tickets:Torch & Wristband collection points can be located in The Meadows and will be open from 2pm
A donation of £2.00 will be made to our official charity partners from each torch.
A donation of £1.50 will be made to our official charity partners from each Procession Wristband.
Torches and procession Wristbands will only be distributed to ticket holders.
Procession queuing lanes open from 5pm at The Meadows
All participants MUST wear a Torchlight wristband to be permitted on the Procession route.
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
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
No children’s buggies are permitted in the Procession
Recommended:
Torch collection points will be open from 14:00 (2pm) on the day, and we would recommend collecting your torches and procession wristbands early to avoid queuing closer to the event.
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 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)
- No Drones
- No Children’s Buggies
- No Umbrellas
- No Dogs or Animals (except registered guide dogs)
- No unauthorised professional film or camera equipment. Cameras for personal use are welcome.
Route and Directions:
The Torchlight Procession 2024, will start at The Meadows, participants will be lead through the picturesque surroundings of the historic Old Town finishing beneath Edinburgh Castle.
Safety Information:
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.
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 carry torches wearing delicate fabrics.
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.