Top 5 New YearCelebrations

in the UK

Edinburgh, ScotlandFamous the world over, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay sees Scots celebrate with a marathon 5-day party dowsed in whisky and twinkling in the glow from the opening torchlight parade. The night itself packs in a carnival, a candlelit concert, Scottish country dancing, live bands and thundering fireworks from the castle and Calton Hill

http://vimeo.com/74455074

Stonehaven Fireball Festival, ScotlandJoin crowds from all over the world and head to Stonehaven, just south of Aberdeen, for the traditionalFireball Festival New Year celebration. The practice of parading through the streets swinging fireballs has been observed here since at least 1908 but it has its roots much earlier in Stonehaven’s past.

Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland, ScotlandIf you’re not around for the celebrations on the 31 December, don’t worry. In Shetland they save the best until the last Tuesday in January. Up Helly Aa is a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skill and spirit. 4,000 spectators watch as islanders dressed as Vikings march through the streets and burn a Viking longboat. The next day is a public holiday.

London, EnglandLondon’s no slouch when it comes to bringing in the New Year. Get down to the Thames to see world-beating fireworks fizz from the London Eye. The best vantage points for this free spectacular are the Victoria Embankment, north of the Thames, and the bridges (Waterloo, Westminster and the eastern Jubilee footbridge; the Millennium Bridge has only a partial view of the Eye). Get there early to grab the best spots.

Cardiff, WalesSkate in the New Year with a midnight session on the ice rink at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland or celebrate from on high with a stately spin on the big wheel. Before you strap on your skates get along to Cardiff Castle for the family fire show. Get there from 6pm to see fire sculptures, flame machines and some thunderous fireworks.

For more info visithttp://www.visitbritain.com/en/Things-to-do/Culture/Top-5-New-Year-Celebrations.htm