High costs lead Glasgow City Council to axe official Hogmanay party

Jul 29 2011

Hogmanay

GLASGOW'S official Hogmanay shindig has been sensationally scrapped after city council bosses admitted it isn't worth the cost.

George Square chiefs today confirmed the December 31 extravaganza would be axed after it attracted criticism last year.

Instead of the usual party in the city centre the council will this year host a "family day" in the square, with music, ceilidh dancing and the Glasgow Bonspiel curling tournament.

The council also said it would work with the city's restaurants, bars and clubs to organise festivities. Details will be released later in the year.

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson said: "At the moment we are being asked to justify spending £34 of public money per head on an event which just isn't delivering value and indeed received a fair amount of negative feedback last year. This is on top of the £19 ticket price we are asking the public to pay.

"Contrast that with the free fireworks display in November which costs the council just £1.50 per head, or the hugely popular Christmas lights switch-on which costs £6 per head to stage.

"I think most people would agree that Hogmanay in the square is not good value for money. At a time when front-line services are under extreme financial pressure it is imperative that we get the best bang for every Glasgow buck and that is not what is happening at the moment.

"Instead of using public money to stage a midnight event for 4500 people, a fraction of those out and about in the city on Hogmanay, the council will be putting its weight behind the existing Glasgow Loves Christmas events across the festive period, and helping to promote the night-time economy's enviable New Year offer."