Lily Allen, Twin Atlantic and Young Fathers to perform at Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations

Celebrations begin on December 30 with a torchlight procession, and end with a dip in the River Forth in the annual Loony Dook on New Year's Day.

Around 8,000 torch-bearers are expected to take part in the opening of the three-day festival, with a contribution of torches sold donated to veterans charity Erskine.

Joining Lily Allen at the Concert in the Gardens on the 31st will be Bjorn Again and Soul II Soul, while interactive dance party act Hot Dub Time Machine will return to Edinburgh to entertain revellers at the Street Party.

Tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world are expected to attend the party, with performances from Twin Atlantic, Young Fathers and The Twilight Sad.

A midnight fireworks display will welcome in 2015, with the traditional mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne to follow.

On New Year's Day the city will present Scot:Lands, a festival of music, art and theatre in the Old Town.

For those wanting to work off the excesses of the night before, the Queensferry Loony Dook will take place in the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge as in previous years.

Councillor Steve Cardownie said: "Edinburgh will be the greatest place on Earth to say goodbye to 2014 and bring in the bells for Hogmanay. From the Street Party to the Keilidh, the Concert in the Gardens to the Loony Dook, this is going to be a jam-packed three-day festival of fun.

"Every year, people travel from all over the world to experience Edinburgh's midnight moment, and this year all eyes will yet again be on the capital as locals and visitors come together to celebrate.

"With performances from Lily Allen and Mercury prize-winners Young Fathers, it's also one of the best outdoor concerts in Britain. Local residents planning to celebrate new year on their doorstep can snap up an early bird discount on tickets, but be quick - the discount will only apply until 28 November."

Ticket details can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com.