Amy and Sandi to rock city into 2009
Scots to kick off Hogmanay celebrations
Published:
SCOTTISH singing sensations Amy Macdonald and Sandi Thom will lead Aberdeen’s Hogmanay celebrations, the Evening Express can reveal today.
Any Dream Will Do finalist Keith Jack, who is currently starring in Peter Pan at His Majesty’s Theatre, will add to the live music and entertainment.
North-east lass Sandi, from Macduff, and Amy from Glasgow have sold more than a million albums worldwide.
Amy and Sandi are among a host of stars encouraging Scottish people to take part in next year’s Homecoming celebrations.
Sandi said she was really looking forward to returning to the Castlegate for the second year running.
“Scotland is well known for having the best parties at New Year and it should be a great night,” she said.
Sandi got the 20,000 strong crowd warmed up at the city’s Hogmanay event last year.
Thousands of revellers turned up at Aberdeen’s Castlegate in freezing conditions to see in the New Year with Scottish indie group Travis.
Scottish 1980s band Wet Wet Wet led the New Year celebrations in 2006, and in 2005, The Proclaimers, The Coral and Liberty X were the headline acts. Aberdeen City Council leader Kate Dean said: “With such a fantastic line-up Aberdeen’s Hogmanay party is the place to see in the New Year. It is always a fabulous event with a great party atmosphere.”
Depute leader Kevin Stewart said the celebrations at the Castlegate will be the perfect way to kick off Scotland’s Homecoming year.
He said: “At the beginning of Homecoming year I am absolutely thrilled that we have secured three immense Scottish artists for our Hogmanay celebrations.
“In particular it is phenomenal that we have Sandi Thom, the voice of Homecoming singing here in Aberdeen.”
Gates will open for the Hogmanay event at 8pm, with bands on stage from 9pm. The celebrations will draw to a close at about 12.30am.
Despite fears people could be charged to attend this year, entry to the event is free and will be on a first-come first-served basis.
Barriers will be erected and numbers admitted will be monitored to ensure crowd safety.
Union Street will be partially closed to traffic from 4pm on Wednesday, December 31.
