Thousands expected at Highland Capital's Hogmanay bash

A bumper crowd's expected to gather in Northern Meeting Park Arena in Inverness tomorrow to bring in the bells for 2016.

Published 30th Dec 2015

A bumper crowd's expected to gather in Northern Meeting Park Arena in Inverness tomorrow to bring in the bells for 2016.

Scotland’s biggest free Hogmanay Party, “The Red Hot Highland Fling” marks the end of Inverness Winter Festival.

Sponsored by the Inverness Common Good Fund, The Highland Council event will be hosted by kilted comedian Craig Hill who returns to the Highlands determined to generate more singing and dancing than ever before in what he has been describing as “Scotland’s premier car park” to audiences all around the world as part of his one man show.

Opening the show will be Scottish Folk band Breabach, followed by Celtic Supergroup Capercaille and bringing the show and 2015 to a climax will be Skerryvore who will be a making a welcome return to the show.

Chair of the Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group Councillor Glynis Sinclair said “The Red Hot Highland Fling provides the perfect climax to our annual Festivals programme and everybody is invited to come and experience this wonderful free show. 2015 has been an amazing year and I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and all the stakeholders who have contributed so much and helped us provide our community with some unforgettable experiences.”

Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland, Police Scotland Event Commander said: "Officers will be present at the event where we will work with stewards and other partners with the focus of keeping people safe to ensure everyone in attendance enjoys themselves in a safe environment. This is a family event and our advice is to drink alcohol responsibly, stay together with your family and friends and ensure close supervision of children at all times. Over the festive period people may consume more alcohol than usual and in doing so can become vulnerable to accident or crime.

"We would ask those attending the event to plan in advance how you're getting home later in the evening. Drivers have to be especially mindful of the potential effects of still having alcohol in your system the next morning. Together with the organisers we will be posting messages with information about the event on social media and additional information on personal safety is available on the Police Scotland website. " "Our message to everyone is enjoy what should be a great night, stay safe and look for out each other.”