Three top-class music acts will be the focal point of Aberdeen’s Hogmanay celebrations, closing the city’s festivities in style.
Performing live on stage at Schoolhill from 9pm, the musicians will entertain the crowds on December 31 before a stunning fireworks display at the stroke of midnight from the roof of His Majesty’s Theatre.
First to perform on stage at 9pm will be local favourites Rachael Bisset and Scott Mellis, followed by Celtic rock band Gleadhraich and culminating with ABBA tribute band Thank You for the Music.
Just before midnight the music will end ready for the countdown to a unique fireworks display guaranteed to welcome in 2019 in style. The 10 minute long display has been designed by experienced Inverurie-based firm Fireworx Scotland.
Aberdeen City Council culture spokesperson councillor Marie Boulton said: “There is always a great atmosphere in the city centre on Hogmanay. Our free street party is an excellent way to bring in the bells. We look forward to welcoming thousands of people from across the city, throughout the region and further afield to Aberdeen for one of the biggest events on the Scottish social calendar.
"The Hogmanay Celebrations is our last event in our festive schedule and what better way to signal the end of another fantastic Christmas in Aberdeen than with our annual street party.
Aberdeen’s Hogmanay celebrations have been supported by Scotland’s Winter Festival event fund, managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development Ben Macpherson, said: “Few places celebrate New Year quite like Scotland – the home of the world renowned Hogmanay celebrations. Fire festivals, torchlight processions, street parties, live music, fireworks and good food and drink really make Scotland one of the best places in the world to bring in the New Year.
“With its incredible performances and exciting celebrations, Aberdeen’s Hogmanay attracts audiences of people from far and wide to bring in the New Year, raising Scotland’s profile internationally.”
Aberdeen city centre has held Purple Flag status since 2013 in recognition of its commitment to promoting a safe and secure night time economy. As part of this, the Aberdeen Street Pastors and taxi marshals help support the public, ensuring those on a night out return home safely.
Aberdeen City Council encourages party-goers to remember three simple pieces of advice to help ensure everyone enjoys their night out: Wrap up warm; Agree somewhere to meet in case you get separated from friends;
Carry enough cash to get a bus or taxi home.
Road closures and restrictions
From 1300 on 31 December 2018 to 0600 on 1 January 2018
- Schoolhill at its junction with Blackfriars Street to its junction with Back Wynd.
- Upperkirkgate at its junction with Back Wynd to its junction with Flourmill Lane
- Blackfriars Street
- Rosemont Viaduct
- Denburn Viaduct
- Belmont Street at its junction with Little Belmont Street to its junction with Schoolhill.
- Back Wynd at its Junction with Little Belmont Street to Schoolhill
From 2200 on 31 December 2018 to 0600 on 1 January 2019
- Skene Street from its junction with Skene Square roundabout to its junction with Rosemount Viaduct
- Spa Street from the access into Denburn car park to its junction with Skene Street.
- Rosemount Viaduct
- Harriett Street and Crooked Lane (Whole Length)
- Union Terrace (Whole Length)
- Diamond Place (Whole Length)
- Windmill Brae (Whole Length)
- Windmill Lane (Whole Length)
- Bath Street ( Whole Length)
- Belmont Street at its Junction with Little Belmont Street to Union Street
- Little Belmont Street at its junction with Belmont Street and Back Wynd
- Back Wynd at its Junction with Little Belmont Street to Union Street
- Gaelic Lane (Whole Length)
- Flourmill Lane (Whole Length)
From 2330 on 31 December 2018 to 0045 on 1 January 2019
- Union Street from its junction with Crown Street to its junction with Market Street EXCEPT for buses travelling from Guild Street/ College Street via Bridge Street to Union Street – left turn only onto Union Street. Buses travelling in other direction to turn right onto Crown Street (see below for revocation)
- Bridge Street from its junction with Wapping Street to Union Street EXCEPT for buses travelling from Guild Street/ College Street via Bridge Street to Union Street – left turn only onto Union Street.
- Diamond Street at its junction with Diamond Lane to Union Street
From 2350 on 31 December 2018 to 0030 on 1 January 2019
- Denburn Road (both directions, whole length). This will be facilitated with a mobile road closure by ACC Road Services
Revocations
From 1300 on 31 December 2018 to 2200 on 31 December 2018
- Revoke no entry to Belmont Street from Union Street (Taxis only)
- Revoke no entry to St. Catherine’s Wynd from Union Street (access to M&S click and collect only).
From 2330 on 31 December 2018 to 0600 on 1 January 2019
- Revoke right turn ban from Union Street into Crown Street
Parking Restrictions
From 1800 on 30 December 2018 to 0600 on 1 January 2019
- Pocket Park outside RGU
- Schoolhill (whole length)
- Upperkirkgate (whole length)
- Blackfriars Street (Whole Length)
- Bridge Street from its junctions of Wapping Street to union Street
- Diamond Street at its junction with Diamond Lane to union Street
- Union Terrace (Whole Length)
Disabled Car Parking
All existing disabled parking areas (except those that are within any road closure) within the city centre are available for use.
Car Parking
All Council car parks within the city centre will be open and available for use.
More information on the Hogmanay celebrations, including full road closures, is available at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas