With the glitter and indigestion slowly fading from Christmas day, the world’s eyes turn to the next mass celebration of New Year’s Eve. Yes, Hogmanay makes its return almost exactly a year to the day since its last outing. Cue the whole world asking each other “So, what are you doing at New Year then?”, as we all clamber to find the best party to welcome in the promise of 2020.
Well, fear not! We have scoured the highways and planned dual carriageways in order to bring you a few of the best options for celebrating Hogmanay in the city that’s sure to start your year in fine style.
The biggest and sure to be best-attended bash in Inverness this year is bound to be Red Hot Highland Fling at the Northern Meeting Park. There is expected to be more than 10,000 people gathering for the 4 and half hour free event which will be hosted again this year by the untameable Craig Hill. The musical festivities kick off at 2030 and last until after the bells where there will be a spectacular firework display and no-doubt rousing communal version of Auld Lang Syne performed by the great and the good of Inverness. The music and shenanigans this year will be provided by stellar performers like Skippinish, Torridon, and the unforgettable Dorec-a-belle. It’s normally a belter of a night, just remember to wrap up warm!
If ‘outside fun’ isn’t your thing, then there are plenty of parties to be had in the bars and hotels in the city centre. The Beaufort Hotel is hosting a New Year party that’s sure to be a belter with The Whiskys, Chancers, and the party belle of the ball Sara Bills providing the entertainment right into 2020.
Trad party punters RHYTHMNREEL will be headlining the revelries at the Ironworks this year. Supported by the youthful exploits of Astar and Longstay, this is sure to be a big night of sweaty dancing and accidentally spilled pints. This could be the last year of their annual Hogmanay bash being held in their current premises, surely the prospect of losing such a big part of the highland’s music scene can only add to the excitement of the night?
The annual Hootananny Hogmanay Extravaganza is always worth a look if you’re venturing into town this year. They have the elite purveyors of party tunes Guilty Pleasures upstairs in Mad Hatters and as if that wasn’t enough, Hooja will be captaining your grinning transition into 2020.
Other notable shindigs happening across the city for Hogmanay are The Market Bar who is being looked after by DJ patter until late and judging by the previous years at the Market, the place is sure to be rammed with party-goers until the wee hours of the new year. But, if it’s Dive Bar Eleganza you’re after, The Tooth & Claw is having an Alternative Hogmanay Party with resident DJs to chew you up and spit you back into the world ready for 2020.