Revellers Ready For New Year Blast

Revellers will welcome in 2015 with parties and firework displays across the country tonight.

Organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay are promising a a rocking good party'' to see in the new year.

Large crowds are expected at the world-famous street party which will see performances from Twin Atlantic, Twilight Sad, Eddi Reader and this year's Mercury Prize-winners, the Edinburgh-based act Young Fathers.

The concert in the gardens is being headlined by Lily Allen, who will be joined by special guests Bjorn Again and Soul II Soul.

A midnight fireworks display will welcome in 2015, followed by the traditional mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Pete Irvine, Director of organisers Unique Events, said: With a fantastic line-up across five stages, Edinburgh's Hogmanay is the UK's biggest outdoor winter music festival - come and join us for a rocking good party to welcome 2015.''

In London fireworks will light up the sky above the South Bank at midnight and celebrations will carry on until 12:45am with a live DJ set.

Meanwhile in Aberdeen revellers can enjoy free live music from 9pm on Union Terrace, from performers Flaxman, The Jellyman's Daughter and Funk Connection. As the clock strikes midnight a fireworks show will light up the sky from the rooftop of His Majesty's Theatre.

Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said: Aberdeen's Hogmanay celebrations are going to be extra special with three hours of music ahead of the traditional fireworks display. There's going to be a real party atmosphere as we say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in the New Year.''

In Aberdeenshire, around 12,000 people are expected to turn out for events including Stonehaven's Fireballs Ceremony and Open Air in the Square.

Willie Knox, Open Air in the Square Event Organiser, said: Hogmanay is a great celebration and we would encourage everyone to enjoy what is on offer. Please plan ahead, stick with your friends, have a fantastic time and most importantly get home safely.''

Police have urged people to act responsibly while out this evening.

Chief Inspector Richard Craig, Local Area Commander for Aberdeenshire South, said: The festive season is a fantastic period of the year and Hogmanay is a traditional time of celebration. We want to encourage people to enjoy themselves, have fun with their friends and family members but to be safe and responsible.

Following a few simple tips can help to make the most of your evening out; arrive in plenty of time, plan your journey to and from the event and make sure you are dressed for the weather conditions.

Being aware of your alcohol consumption, staying together with friends and looking after your valuables can help keep you safe at the busiest time of the year.''

In Stirling there will be a live outdoor concert on the castle esplanade with music from The Waterboys, Skerryvore, JJ Gilmour and Model Aeroplanes, followed by a fireworks display to welcome in 2015.

Party goers have been told to expect a dry evening with temperatures above freezing, as the country prepares to say goodbye to one of the warmest years on record.

People watching the fireworks in London will enjoy a dry but breezy and cloudy evening with the Met office forecasting the temperature to be around 6C (42.8F).

The Met office said western parts of the UK should expect rain in the evening but added, ''this is likely to become lighter as midnight approaches and should have eased across Western Scotland and Northern Ireland''.

Although the rest of the UK may be cloudy too, it should remain dry throughout the evening. Temperatures are likely to hold up above freezing across the country, with values ranging from around 3C (37.4F) across some eastern areas, to a very mild 10C (50F) in parts of the west.

Edinburgh is likely to be cloudy but dry for its Hogmanay celebrations, with a chance of the odd wintry shower early on in the evening.

The evening should be mild in the city, with minimum temperatures at 9C (48.2F) or 10C (50F) at midnight.