Dance duo promise Hogmanay spectacular

DANCE act Groove Armada will bring in the New Year as headliners of Edinburgh's massive Hogmanay street party, it was announced today.

The duo are promising a spectacular mix of music, light and fireworks as more than 100,000 revellers gather in the capital for the party.

The group are leading this year's celebrations, and will be joined by singer Paolo Nutini at the Concert in the Gardens on December 31.

As revealed earlier, the Paisley-born pop star will be the first act ever to perform at the Hogmanay parties in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Performers at this year's street party, which will have four live stages, include Glasgow band Glasvegas, electropop group Hot Chip and indie favourites Belle and Sebastian.

Pete Irvine, creative director of this year's event, said: "With the best emerging and established music acts and exciting new events, we've added a new dimension to the event that brings an explosive mix of energetic music and arts.

"Undoubtedly, to see the best bands and be part of one of the world's best parties, there really is no better place to be than Edinburgh."

Groove Armada's Andy Cato added: "What appeals to me about Edinburgh's Hogmanay is that it is the most famous celebration of that type in the world.

"I've never been to it and I want to be there."

This year's celebrations, which stretch over four days from December 29 to January 1, include time-honoured events as well as a host of new elements.

New events include The Dancin', a free show celebrating dance in all its forms, and a specially commissioned film to herald the year of Homecoming Scotland, a year-long series of events to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.

Another new addition will be large screens along Princes Street to allow party goers to get a better view of acts performing.

Traditional events include the Torchlight Procession down the Royal Mile and the Candlelight Concert in St Giles Cathedral.

Tickets for all of Edinburgh's Hogmanay events go on sale today.

The celebrations, an initiative of the City of Edinburgh Council, end on January 1 with the Loony Dook. This sees crowds brave freezing weather to plunge into the River Forth in the Queensferry area of Edinburgh