A range of top-notch musical events, a spectacular fireworks display and other attractions will be on offer at this year’s Hogmanay celebrations in Aberdeen.
A stage will be set up on Schoolhill, just outside the Cowdray Hall with His Majesty’s Theatre as the backdrop to the Granite City’s biggest new year party.
First on the Schoohill stage from 9.30pm is north-east rock, folk, indie and punk band The Lorelei, followed at 10.45pm by fellow Aberdeen act, Funk Connection, a 10-piece soul, rhythm and blues group. who will be playing classic covers for an hour.
Then, just before midnight, the music will be replaced by a countdown in advance of a 10-minute fireworks display from the roof of HMT, designed by the Inverurie-based firm Firewox Scotland.
The Aberdeen Christmas Village on Union Terrace will have extended opening hours until 2am, and revellers are being invited to enjoy the ice skating, funfair rides, and partake of food and drink, both before and after the Hogmanay celebrations.
The market stalls will close at 8pm.
Aberdeen City Council deputy leader Marie Boulton said: “I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere in the city centre on Hogmanay.
“The free concert is a great showcase of the talented musicians and singers we have in the area.
“There’s plenty of entertainment on offer on December 31, the final day of the popular Christmas tree maze in Union Terrace Gardens.
“As it’s everyone’s last chance to go and visit, I’d recommend visiting the gardens early, because I’m sure it will be busy before it closes at 8pm.
“Whilst Hogmanay signals the end of the festive period and the start of 2017, it doesn’t spell the end of the Winter Festival quite yet.
“The Christmas Village on Union Terrace continues until January 8 for a final chance to sample the skating rink and enjoy all the fun of the fair.”
The by-law for drinking alcohol outside a licensed premises is relaxed across Scotland on Hogmanay, but for safety reasons, glassware is not allowed on streets.
During the celebration, road closures and restrictions will affect Skene Street, Spa Street, Blackfriars Street, Crooked Lane, Harriet Street, Schoolhill, Denburn Road, Belmont Street, Back Wynd, Gaelic Lane, Union Street, Bridge Street and Crown Street.