This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Night Afore International
30/12/2004
Scotland's capital will host a massive artistic carnival
tonight to mark the special relationship between Scotland
and France.
The Night Afore International - one of the main events
in Edinburgh's four-day Hogmanay programme - will transform
the city's George Street into a cultural melting pot
blending Scottish and French arts, music and dance.
It celebrates the Entenet Coridale, and takes place
between 8pm and 11pm.
EventScotland supported the successful inaugural Night
Afore International in 2003 when it invested £40,000, and
recently announced £140,000 for the event over the next two
years.
Tourism and Culture Minster Patricia Ferguson said:
"The Night Afore International demonstrates to the world
that Scotland is a modern, vibrant, forward thinking
country with a rich cultural heritage.
"Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations are acclaimed across
the world for putting on the biggest and best parties.
Throughout Scotland we have a dizzying array of events to
entertain our visitors, and at this time of the year, there
is an explosion of cultural activity."
"All these events help to boost Scotland's international
profile and position our country as a world-class
must-visit, must-return destination."
It celebrates the Entente Cordiale treaty which
symbolises the friendship and co-operation that exists
between Scotland and France.
EventScotland was created as a joint venture between the
Scottish Executive and VisitScotland to deliver the
Scottish Executive's Major Events Strategy. The strategy
aims to make Scotland one of the world's foremost events
destinations by 2015.
EventScotland's remit is to attract, support and create
major events that will attract international spectators,
participants and media to Scotland.