Our 6th Hogmanay Ball will be one of the best parties in Edinburgh this year
Make it your Best. Hogmanay. Ever
See in 2013 with a bang!

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We got it going on
(even if we do say so ourselves)
* glass of fizz on arrival
* haggis, neeps and tatties
* piper
* live band
* great view of the fireworks
* at the iconic, historic and utterly chandelier-tastic, famous Assembly Rooms
* and the reason why our Hogmanay Balls are always a sellout success the amazing party atmosphere

TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY 8 OCTOBER AT 6PM

BE IN THE KNOW FOR HUGE EARLYBIRD SAVINGS
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The announcements will be made very soon

Howard Elwyn Jones of prettybright

Istvan Magyar of imagyarweddings

Thanks to our talented photographers

Howard Elwyn Jones of prettybright

Istvan Magyar of imagyarweddings

STOP PRESS NEWS: 

Matt Norris and the Moon

have won Hog the Street!!!!!

http://www.mattnorrisandthemoon.co.uk/

Emelle / The OK Social Club / The Soul Foundation /

Matt Norris and the Moon / The Marvels / Finding Albert / Das Contras /

Clog & The Quirks / Davey Horne / Madhat McGore

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011/12 are delighted to announce the ten bands who have been shortlisted for the finals of ‘Hog the Street’, the new bands competition taking place on Princes Street this Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December, 1pm – 5pm. Scotland’s best new acts will busk it out for the chance to kick off the world’s greatest New Year party.

The winning band from this busk off will open the Concert in the Gardens – the music and fireworks spectacular – and join the bill alongside headliners Primal Scream and special guests Bombay Bicycle Club and Sons & Daughters.

The ten lucky bands have been chosen by Leith Records and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay from over 80 entries to compete in a live busking final on Princes Street this weekend, hosted by DJ, broadcaster and champion of new music, Jim Gellatly. Each band will perform on stage at the West End for 20-25 minutes and must include their favourite Christmas cover. The line-up includes an eclectic mix of indie, hip-hop, folk and soul to entertain the weekend crowds on Princes Street. The act which raises the most money for Shelter Scotland during their busking set will win the coveted opening slot for Concert in the Garden on 31 December.

The Finalists are (in no particular order):

Emelle: Three brothers, a friendly fiddler and finnie playing honest tunes and paying homage to the past, present and future. They hail from the northeast banks of the Don but migrated further and further south and are now based in Edinburgh.

The OK Social Club: An Edinburgh 4-piece who write about life in Scotland’s capital. Sometimes hectic, sometimes serene, never dull and always colourful.

The Soul Foundation: A high energy soul band from Edinburgh who have taken their influence from the Detroit Motown Sounds of the 1960’s. A fresh, creative outfit, their original material has been compared to Holland/Dozier/Holland.

Matt Norris and the Moon: Foot stomping, five part harmonising quintet from Edinburgh pitting trumpet swells against folksy fiddle runs to create infectious melodies.

The Marvels: An Edinburgh based band with a lot of heart, energy and fun to give. Following the success of their single in June, and a gig at the Usher Hall in May, the Marvels are moving onwards and upwards.

Finding Albert: This indie four piece band from Glasgow and Dumfries have been described by Jim Gellatly in the Sun as ‘future superstars’.

Das Contras: Das Contras hail from Fife and Glasgow and blend folk, rock, latin, punk and reggae to make some really great music.

Clog & The Quirks: A young pop-ska-funk-rock band from North Berwick, they have huge ability and would certainly get the party started.

Davey Horne: A blistering young talent from Falkirk, Davey Hornesings sould and R&B will break your heartand put it back together again.

Madhat McGore: As mad as a hatter? Well he might just be! Madhat Mcgore has been rapping from 12 years, and proudly represents Auld Reekie.

Pete Irvine, Festival Director, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “This is a fantastic line-up of fresh, new Scottish talent and the winner will be a worthy addition to the world-class line up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay this year.

Jim Wolff, Co-Founder, Leith Records, said: ‘”Hog The Street will be bringing a lively festival atmosphere to Princes Street this year. Regardless of who wins, we hope new Scottish bands will get a good bit of exposure, shoppers get a great weekend of a live music, and Shelter gets a healthy Christmas bonus.”

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “This is a great competition with some very talented acts in the running. We want the public to vote with their wallets and help the acts to support Shelter Scotland. For one of them this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform with Primal Scream at the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world. Not only that but with proceeds from the busking going to Shelter Scotland, they will help us to help the tens of thousands of people in Scotland who are in housing need.”

Leith Records (http://www.leithrecords.com) is the latest project to come out of The Leith Agency, providing a stage for new music and home-grown artists across Scotland. It has helped provide unique musical experiences for the Mountain Bike World Cup, the Leith Festival and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

Tickets are already available for the city’s world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party; which features a world class line-up over 7 live music stages, with artists including Primal Scream, superstar DJ Mark Ronson, Festival favourites The Vaccines and Friendly Fires, Sons & Daughters, Wild Beasts and Kassidy.

Revellers can purchase tickets for the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and The Keilidh in one of three ways: Online at www.edinburghshogmanay.com; by calling the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Box Office on 0844 894 2011 or by contacting Tickets Scotland, 127 Rose Street or Ripping Records, 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh.

As well as the events taking place on the 31st December, a varied festival programme of events takes place over the four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay which runs from Friday 30 December 2011 until Sunday 1 January 2012

For further information, to purchase tickets and to register for online updates visit: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

We are delighted to have the Musicians Union as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland 'Latest News' Blog - please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

We are delighted to have the Scottish Music Centre as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland 'Latest News' Blog - please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 6PM FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER!!!

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011/12 are delighted to announce today, the launch of ‘Hog the Street’, the new bands competition which will see Scotland‟s best new acts busk it out for the chance to kick off the world‟s greatest New Year party, Edinburgh‟s Hogmanay. Opening the Concert in the Gardens – the music and fireworks spectacular – the winning band will be joining the bill alongside headliners Primal Scream and special guests Bombay Bicycle Club and Sons & Daughters.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have joined forces with Leith Records to find the cream of the crop of unsigned Scottish music to kick start the world‟s biggest New Year celebrations. Edinburgh‟s Hogmanay has long since championed new Scottish talent, each year presenting the very best up-and-coming acts and over the years has provided a starting platform for some of the country‟s biggest artists including KT Tunstall and Franz Ferdinand. Last year‟s competition winners ‘Kitty the Lion’ started the Street Party on the Waverley Stage in front of thousands alongside headliners The Coral.

Ten lucky finalists will be selected by judges to compete in a live busking final which will take place on Princes Street, Edinburgh on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December 2011 for the coveted opening slot at the Concert in the Garden. The band who raise the most money during their busking set get the gig, with all money raised through the event going to charity.

Pete Irvine, Festival Director, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “The line-up for the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens is world class this year, and we are delighted to be able to include a new, young, unsigned Scottish band amongst such acts as Primal Scream, The Vaccines, Friendly Fires and Bombay Bicycle Club.”

Jim Wolff, Co-Founder, Leith Records, said: „Band competitions can sometimes be a bit cheesy and stale, but with Hog The Street we‟re giving new Scottish bands the chance to play one of the biggest gigs of the year, maybe even of their lives. ‟

So, how does it all work… Any band from or based in Scotland can enter, but judges will be looking out for younger, up-and-coming bands in particular (participants must be aged 16 yrs or over to enter). Bands will need to submit a short bio, track, video and picture at www.hogthestreet.com to make the shortlist. Deadline for entry is 6pm on Friday 25th November. Ten acts will then be selected to play at the special „Hog the Street‟ busking event in Edinburgh city centre.

Anna Meldrum from 2010 Winners ‘Kitty the Lion, said: „We were totally thrilled to have the opportunity to play on the Waverley Stage, every surreal second of it felt like a really brilliant dream, but there was no blinking ourselves awake at the end! To be included amongst a line-up of such successful artists, at the best New Year celebration in the world, was incredibly special and we are very grateful to have been given the chance‟.

Leith Records (http://www.leithrecords.com) is the latest project to come out of The Leith Agency, providing a stage for new music and home-grown artists across Scotland. It has helped provide unique musical experiences for the Mountain Bike World Cup, the Leith Festival and Edinburgh‟s Hogmanay.

Tickets are already available for the city‟s world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party; which features a world class line-up over 7 live music stages, with artists including Primal Scream, superstar DJ Mark Ronson, Festival favourites The Vaccines and Friendly Fires, Sons & Daughters, Wild Beasts and Kassidy.

Revellers can purchase tickets for the Edinburgh‟s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and The Keilidh in one of three ways:

Online at www.edinburghshogmanay.com; by calling the Edinburgh‟s Hogmanay Box Office on 0844 894 2011 or by contacting Tickets Scotland, 127 Rose Street or Ripping Records, 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh

As well as the events taking place on the 31st December, a varied festival programme of events takes place over the four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay which runs from Friday 30 December 2011 until Sunday 1 January 2012.

For further information, to purchase tickets and to register for online updates visit: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

We are delighted to have the Musicians' Union as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland 'Latest News' Blog - please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

We are delighted to have the Scottish Music Centre as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland 'Latest News' Blog - please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

With live music from The Strides, haggis neeps and tatties, a piper, a great view of the fireworks and an amazing party atmosphere at 5 star venue The Sheraton Grand Hotel, it really is a night to remember.

And we’re so excited this year to have a video of the event!

 See pictures of the event here

Don’t miss our next Hogmanay Ball!
Sign up for email updates here

Best wishes for a fantastic year from the Sunday Brunch Club.

We’re making 2011 the Year of Yes.
Because Yes is more exciting than no.
What new things will you say yes to this year?

Thanks to everyone who came along to our fourth Hogmanay Ball and made it a night to remember.

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I’m sure you’ll agree our fabulous photographers Howard Elwyn-Jones and Istvan Magyar have done a superb job. I highly recommend them if you are hosting an event or require photography for business.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS ON FLICKR

Happy Christmas from Billy the Sheep and the Sunday Brunch Club

See you at Hogmanay!

There are just a few tickets left for our
Grand Hogmanay Ball

* Live music
* Haggis, neeps and tatties
* Piper
*Fireworks
* Fantastic party atmosphere
* Fabulous 5 star venue

If you’re looking for a fantastic event for this year’s celebrations.  Join over 300 people for a glittering, glamorous evening at a gorgeous venue.

Dress to dazzle!
Ladies: Sparkling and stunning eg ballgowns/cocktail dresses
Gentlemen: Suave and sophisticated eg black tie/lounge suits/kilts

Tickets
£42 – £57
Discounts for Earlybirds
Buy from Hub Tickets http://www.hubtickets.co.uk 0131 473 2000

WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO GRAND HOGMANAY BALL 2010
In our facebook competition. For your chance to win simply:

2. RSVP that you’re attending Grand Hogmanay Ball 2010-2011 click on the icon

EDINBURGH’S tram scheme boss believes going £33million over budget would be “a great success.”

Richard Jeffrey says the massive project is likely to cost £545million instead of the original £512million budget.

But rather than going off the rails, he says he would be “pleased” if his team hit the newly raised budget bar.

Shirley Anne Somerville MSP slammed his remarks as “simply not good enough.”

Speaking in a weekend interview, Jeffrey – the recently appointed chief executive of Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) - conceded that the project was “not going smoothly.”

But he refuted claims the final bill could be £1billion.

Originally expected to open next year, the 18km track from the city’s airport to Leith and Newhaven is now due to open in February 2012.

Under pressure

Workers are already under pressure to finish the Princes Street stretch of track in time for the Christmas shopping season and the capital’s Hogmanay street party.

But the time frame is “very difficult” according to Jeffrey, who says ongoing rows with contractors have forced the budget up.

He said: “This project is not going smoothly, that’s very clear.

“We’ve said it’s going to be very difficult to bring it in at £545million, so if you achieve something that’s very difficult you’d be pleased with yourself wouldn’t you?

“I am working to try and deliver this project for £545million. I think if we do that it will be great success.”

“Let them speculate”

John Carson, a former maintenance director at Network Rail, estimated costs could hit £1billion, while the SNP’s Lothians MSP Shirley Anne Somerville fears the bill will be £750million.

Jeffrey hit back, saying: “Speculation –whether it’s Shirley Anne Somerville or some retired engineer – that’s all it is.

“Let them speculate. I have a very clear view that £545million is not impossible.”

Ms Somerville responded: “It isn’t going to be difficult to bring the project in for £545million, it is going to be impossible.

“It is simply not good enough to say we should wait until the project is completed and see how much it costs.”

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

I actually forgot to blog on Saturday morning. When I got up, I got tore into my “to-do” list for the day and stayed in the zone all day, and I just forgot to do it. When I first remembered it was mid-afternoon and I was lost in other work so I just left it to the side.

It’s become a bit of a habit over recent weeks. Not every week mind you, but every now and then more often than not, no blog posts have found their way onto the Freedom website. I hope you are not too disappointed, dear readers, and I have promised not to let it happen again, at least, not as much.

As far as weekends go it was a pretty darn good ‘un! On Saturday my beloved St Mirren finally won their first league match at their new home stadium—it’s only been about 10 months!—beating Hearts 2 goals to 1. Watch the Jam Tarts get a trouncing here.

I made a curry on Saturday night; that was a real highlight for those lucky people that got to eat it.

I did a lot of writing and reading over the weekend and the SDR website is now almost ready to re-launch. There’s still a bit of tweaking left to go, but everything has been uploaded into the new format including all the archives, which was the main problem. A lot of the files weren’t complete and the old fiction and poetry isn’t there, but we’re at least ready to start the marketing of it as a new lease of life.

Two competition results were announced—I won neither of them—and I also received a rejection notice from Flash Fiction Online. I was sure they would bite—better luck next time.

The main highlight of my weekend was a trip through to Glasgow last night with my wife. We left the babysitter in the house and made West, arriving in Glasgow the unusual way, i.e., through the bus & taxi lane behind Queen Street Station. My fault entirely, because I couldn’t decide where we should park or go for food. We spotted a place and parked on Bath Street and as luck would have it right opposite The Filling Station bar/restaurant.

Two steak meals and a bottle of red wine were consumed. Very nice. With Gail driving, I had the majority of the wine. Very very nice.

Down then to the Armadillo and we arrived in the auditorium with a couple of minutes to spare. At 8pm precisely on walked the big man, Glasgow’s first son, the Big Yin… Billy Connolly.

For the next two hours the laughter came. Stomachs twisted, tears rolled, chests heaved, and livers were clutched as the big man talked about all manner of things from prostate tickling to fanny kissing, dogs bollocks to dwarves, and fat people in Drumchapel to the plastic ladies of Los Angeles. The guy was hilarious and it was all over before we wanted. I’ll be doing a full review of his gig in the autumn issue of SDR.

I last saw Billy in 1994 when he played the Usher Hall and he was everything I expected then—funny, funny, funny—and nothing has changed. He’s a natural and it was a pleasure to see him playing, not only in his home town of Glasgow, but in the very area he grew up in as a boy.

We managed to get out the infamous SECC car park quite quickly and were back on the M8 just as the main hall of the venue was emptying. If I hadn’t been at the Connolly gig I would most definitely have been at The Pixies who were playing right next door. Shame, but I was lucky to get the Connolly tickets and wasn’t about to turn them down after years of trying for them.

If you’re reading this in the UK and it’s before half past ten, then tune in to This Morning on ITV. Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are celebrating the show’s 21st birthday this week and today’s special guests are Madness.

Also announced over the weekend was the news that Madness will be the headline act at this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations. And I’ll miss it as I’ll be away up north for Hogmanay. Drat!

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