Dundee’s first Hogmanay street party in decades has been stripped back to a one night bash, as the Squeeze concert has been cancelled.
The It’s Happening event was originally scheduled to be a two-day affair at City Square, but sluggish sales for the December 30 gig has forced organisers GMC Ventures to drop that night’s festivities.
Squeeze, the band best known for 80s hits such as Up the Junction and Cool for Cats, were set to headline that night, but no other act had been announced.
Tickets holders will be offered a full refund, or can swap for a December 31 brief, with any price difference refunded. People with two-day tickets will also be offered a refund for the 30th.
The organisers will contact customers directly with details.
The December 31 gig, headlined by Kyle Falconer, will go ahead as planned.
Other musicians to play that night include Eddi Reader, rock pipe band Gleadhraich and Sinderins.
Jill Gibson, of GMC Ventures, said: “We’re delighted by the interest in Hogmanay and with the sales to date.
“There’s also been a huge interest in the family activities during the day, with a staggering 1,400 free tickets reserved already and lots of news of what’s on offer being unveiled later this month.
“However, with the real buzz around Hogmanay rather than the Monday evening, we’ve decided that’s where our efforts should lie.
“As a not for profit event and the first one we as a company have organised, we’re ambitious yet realistic. This was never about making money and all about giving Dundee a Hogmanay to remember so this decision allows us to concentrate on that key date, with something for everyone.
“We also want to maximise any money raised for our chosen charities by minimising losses on the event as a whole.
“We’re encouraging everyone to get involved and support event, allowing Dundee to see the year out in style. Naturally, we are sorry to disappoint those who had bought tickets for Squeeze and hope to get them back to the city at a later date.”
Profits from the event will be donated to Dundee Women’s Aid, Art Angel and Wellbeing Works.
Council leader John Alexander said: “I’m sure this will be disappointing news but I remain positive about December 31.
“What’s important is that everyone who wants to see an event of this nature continue into the future to support it with more than words.
“I’ve long been an advocate for new year celebrations in Dundee but we need to show that there’s an appetite and I hope people get out and support the event.”
The last time there was a large-scale new year street party in Dundee was in 1999, when 12,000 revellers took to the city centre to welcome the new millennium.
