THE lucrative contract to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay is set to be handed to city-based firm Unique Events.
The company headed by entrepreneur Pete Irvine - the man who has put the Capital's Hogmanay celebrations on the map - is understood to have beaten off competition from a leading company from Newcastle.
It means revellers can expect more of the sam
e from the world famous event, as Unique Events has been involved in organising the festivities for the past 15 years.
The £1.7 million festival is now said to be worth more than £35m to the Capital's economy.
Unique Event's winning tender will now go to councillors later this month for formal approval.
The contract begins immediately and is to last three years, subject to annual review, and with an option to extend for a further two years.
Talks on the 2008 event will begin straight away with the council-based management team which oversees the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Councillor Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh's festivals champion, said: "Our winter festivals are internationally renowned, bringing a fantastic atmosphere to the city and major economic benefits.
"Unique Events has a well-earned reputation for outstanding events management built over many years at both Edinburgh's Hogmanay and other large events.
"We're looking forward to continuing our relationship with them, ensuring that Edinburgh's iconic New Year celebrations remains among the best in the world."
Pete Irvine of Unique Events added: "We are delighted to be appointed to produce Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the New Year celebrations for the city we love."
The full article contains 263 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
