Roll up, roll up for the greatest show in Edinburgh this Hogmanay

A magic new Hogmanay experience will hit the city as the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is bringing the circus to town for a new year celebration in partnership with the Edinburgh International Magic Festival.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and the Edinburgh International Magic Festival will finish 2018 with a bang on Hogmanay when the hotel hosts an immersive event combining musical performances, magical entertainment and awe-inspiring acrobatics.

The hotel hosts an annual Hogmanay gala ball however the 2018 event will now combe musical performances, magical entertainment with awe-inspiring acrobatics marking the end of a UK-wide celebration of the 250th anniversary of circus.

Guests will enter ‘backstage rehearsals’ and mingle with the acts before the celebration begins, led by ringmaster Peter Gamble.

World class circus performances will continue in the Edinburgh Suite while diners enjoy a five-course-meal.

The event will also feature music from five-piece jazz band Viper Swing.

At midnight there will be a champagne toast in Festival Square, complemented by a spectacular view of the Hogmanay fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is an annual art festival, attracting over 12,000 people at 80 different events across the city.

Founded in 2010, the organisation aims to be the world leader in producing innovative, cutting-edge magic performances.

Founder of the Edinburgh International Magic Festival and member of The Magic Circle, Kevin Quantum aka Kevin MacMahon, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for MagicFest.

“We’ve produced world-class shows for many years and we’re delighted to be partnering with the Sheraton Grand to create a unique Hogmanay experience.

“Edinburgh is the perfect place to throw a party like this. John Bill Rickets, the man who brought the circus to America, first established himself at the Circus Royal in Edinburgh – the art has a lot of history in this city!

“We’ve got a few surprises up our sleeve. Attendees should keep an eye on the Facebook event page, where the different acts will be revealed one by one. We really want to build anticipation in the weeks leading up to what will be a very atmospheric and unforgettable evening.”

Hotel general manager Tristan Nesbitt said: “The Edinburgh events scene is certainly thriving, taking a unique concept and top-quality production to really stand out from the crowd. As with anything we do, we strive for the Hogmanay gala ball to be the best in the city – that requires us to work with the best. Kevin and his team put on mesmerising performances across the globe, which is exactly what we want for our celebration. It’s great to be working with such a creative, imaginative local organisation.”

For more information, visit www.hogmanaygalaball.co.uk

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