The Highlands’ biggest Hogmanay party will return this year, it has been confirmed.
The Red Hot Highland Fling will be held in Inverness for the first time since the pandemic began.
It is welcome news for revellers who feared the event would fall by the wayside after the Highland capital’s Christmas lights switch-on ceremony was scrapped.
There had also been some questions raised about whether or not it was appropriate for the council to run a large-scale free event as it battles to balance its budget.
But the showpiece event will go ahead, to the relief of many.
‘Absolutely fantastic’ to have it back
A recent report to the Inverness city committee said that hosting the event would cost around £150,000.
But a cancellation at this late stage would still cost the council £75,000.
Against that backdrop, it’s a no-brainer it’s still going ahead.
Inverness provost Glynis Sinclair said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see the city’s Hogmanay event back on the calendar to take us into 2023.
“We want it to be a real family occasion.
“We want people to start talking about the event with friends and family and get the date in their diaries to come along and be part of the city party.”
Comedian and presenter Fred MacAulay will host this year’s event.
He said: “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to host many Hogmanay celebrations.
“From Edinburgh Castle with Carol Smillie for BBC1, to Stirling Castle’s esplanade. But I’m absolutely buzzing to be coming to Inverness to welcome in 2023.
“Inverness is always a stopping off point whenever I tour and the audiences are always up for a good time.
“It’ll be a Highland spectacular and I’m excited to get my tartan trews/kilt on again!
“Which one I finally choose will be very much weather dependent.”
Hogmanay in Inverness will attract a crowd
The Red Hot Highland Fling has long been a major highlight of Inverness’s events calendar.
In previous years, it has attracted around 10,000 people from all over the region.
Inverness Ness-side councillor Alasdair Christie has suggested charging an admission fee for the event and using it as a showcase for local talent to help keep costs down.
But that idea has not been taken up by the Inverness Events and Festivals working group.
It will be a ticketed event – but the tickets will be free.
Details about where to pick up tickets will be released by High Life Highland in the next few weeks.
Last week, the Press and Journal revealed that the Christmas light switch-on ceremony would not go ahead in Inverness this year.
The council said the reason for this was rising costs and the capacity needed to deliver such a celebration.
In previous years, Inverness’s light switch-on events have had people lining the streets of the city to watch a torchlight parade and join in with a carol service.
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