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

Posted: 27th September 2018

The 5* Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh has announced the circus is coming to town for a special Hogmanay celebration, thanks to a unique partnership with the Edinburgh International Magic Festival.

The partnership is the first venture of its kind for both the Edinburgh International Magic Festival and the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. The hotel hosts an annual Hogmanay gala ball however, the 2018 event will be an entirely new experience combining musical performances, magical entertainment and awe-inspiring acrobatics. 2018 has seen a UK-wide celebration of the 250th anniversary of circus and this immersive occasion will ensure the festivities finish with a bang.

Upon arrival, guests will enter ‘backstage rehearsals’, mingling with the acts while enjoying Champagne and canapés. The celebration will be led by ringmaster Peter Gamble, continuing in the Edinburgh Suite where guests will enjoy a five-course-meal with world class circus performances between dishes. The event will also feature music from five-piece jazz band Viper Swing.

At midnight attendees will be led outside to Festival Square for a champagne toast, 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 5* 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.”

Tristan Nesbitt, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, 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.”

Bookings can be made directly with the hotel by calling +44 (0) 131 221 6491 or emailing Festive.SheratonGrand@sheraton.com. Tickets cost £240pp, including champagne and canapés on arrival, 5-course meal, complementary glass of champagne at midnight, live entertainment and music. Head to https://www.hogmanaygalaball.co.uk/ for more details.

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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