30 December, Night Afore International, George Street from 8pm., Free, unticketed. German Parade and Pipe Bands Overture, Mound Square at 7.45pm.

This (free) more family-orientated event was introduced for Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2000 after the success of the main street party.

If you fancy a fling - the highland sort, mind - this is the place to be. In the course of the evening this is going to be the location for a world record attempt at the longest Strip the Willow ever - the most energetic fling of them all. The record-attempt, led by the Portobello Ceilidh Band, takes place at 9pm at Scottish Ceilidh stage. The ripping Blazin’ Fiddles will headline the Scottish Ceilidh stage.

There's music, dance and street theatre in a carnival atmosphere. Last year's theme was Catalan. The theme for 2006-2007 Hogmanay is a German one, with Germany's Theatre Titanick, Schnicklefritz, Zebra Stelzentheater and Irrwisch putting on a show, promising to be "as fantastical as their names."