Hogmanay in Oban

[Kintyre Forum News]

Anyone know if there are any plans for Hogmanay this year?

Oban seem to be building on last year

http://www.obanhogmanay.co.uk/

Why can't we have something similar in Campbeltown?

[elainemck]

Campbeltown could do just as good a job. I heard that Craig Dickson was organising a big hogmanay night in the Vic with some great bands which could be great if done right, is this a Campbeltown rumour? Although it depends on weather but bring back the fireworks at midnight, everyone gathering at the cross etc?

The Argyll usually put on a good night too with a ceilidh etc.

[Mary G]

Seems like the Oban organisers have cancelled the event this year. Just in case you were thinking of heading there ...

http://www.obanhogmanay.co.uk/

Oban Hogmanay has taken the unprecedented decision to cancel the 2009 Street Party.

The organisers took the decision today after weighing up all the various factors. We acknowledge that this type of event relies on the majority of sales in the few weeks prior to the event and whilst we are not unfamiliar with the uphill struggle to make the event happen we have to take account all the factors. This year we are now faced with a number of external factors totally out with our control. We had hoped for a reduction in running costs from Strathclyde Police however their charge for policing the event will be the same as last year – over £4,000.

We are also very concerned that Visit Scotland recently advertised “This year escape the crowds and over priced party tickets” therefore whilst we are encouraging visitors to come to Oban for the street party the wording of the Visit Scotland “promotion” can only be damaging to the event. To be fair to them we did receive an apology!

A major concern is that BBC Television in the form of BBC Alba have decided to come to Oban and broadcast a live Hogmanay programme at the same time as the street party. We have made considerable effort meeting with the production company hired to produce the event hopeful that if both events were linked this would enhance the whole spectacle. However to date there has been no contact from the publicly funded BBC with the community run Oban Hogmanay.

There is no doubt that the BBC are hoping to achieve maximum viewing figures by engaging national acclaimed artistes with local connections and making it very appealing to sit at home and enjoy a Oban Hogmanay. We had booked Donnie Munro, Skerryvore, a choir, pipers and dancers therefore we feel their claim that “we are aiming at different audiences” is incorrect. We do understand their choice of Oban for Hogmanay after the success of The Royal National Mod and two very successful Oban Hogmanay Street Parties however to ignore our community event with Fireworks, Food and Funfair after months of organising we feel is shameful.

The uphill struggle we thought was achievable, however with all these external hurdles we feel our journey is virtually impossible, fraught with risk and certainly not feasible, hence our decision to cancel.

Oban Hogmanay extends apologies to all concerned. Donnie Munro and Skerryvore will be playing live in Oban on Hogmanay, details and arrangements for ticket holders will be announced shortly.

Oban Hogmanay hope that questions will be asked at the highest level in Scotland as to why organisations funded from the public purse can make decisions that can affect community events like The Oban Hogmanay Street Party.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Oban Hogmanay

[petewick]

The very fact that no ones buying tickets for this event is because it's crap.
Overpriced entry fee, expensive drinks, zero atmosphere, and all in what is Tesco carpark.
Was there once, never again.

[RMcC]

I was really looking forward to this event. The tickets were only £12.50, and compared to the Vic which is £25 I think this is ace. managed to get accommodation for £16 in a private room in a hostel for me and my man, which may not suit some people but its just a bed for the night.

I think campbeltown could pull this off though!

[Hels]

I'd heard it was really good as well.

Apparently though an awful lot of people got in for free last year with the stewards letting their pals in at the gates - that annoyed many and made people think they would maybe try that themselves, or put them off going all together. Some people also grumble that it was free only 2 years ago - think thats a bit mean, £12 isn't a lot something like that must cost a fortune! Can't help think they should have done the same as the tickets for the Vic - earlier you get them the cheaper they are.

Last I heard they were trying to put on something in the Corran Halls for those who have tickets already - so hopefully something will rise out of the ashes.

[RMcC]

I heard that aswell Hels, but i thought the street party was like 7,000 yet the corran halls only holds less than 1,000? already cancelled my hotel to make sure I got my money back.
I would be willing to pay more if it meant that the event was put on.
I can see why folk would be knaffed off with stewards letting punters in for free, but doesnt that hapen at big events in some places anyway.

[EMDEE]

According to newspaper reports the Oban event cost sixty five thousand pounds!

There must be quite a few folk sorry to see it cancelled!

[petewick]

The only folk who are sorry to see it cancelled are the organisers,
personally I'm not surprised especially due to the patronizing attitude
of said organisers the event has ceased. Also,having attended this event once before,
I would never go again, simply because it was pure $hite!

[Mary G]

According to newspaper reports the Oban event cost sixty five thousand pounds!

That is a serious amount of event / arts money. Did the Council foot the bill, I wonder?

[EMDEE]

The only folk who are sorry to see it cancelled are the organisers,
personally I'm not surprised especially due to the patronizing attitude
of said organisers the event has ceased. Also,having attended this event once before,
I would never go again, simply because it was pure $hite!

I can't comment on whether it was as you say, because I have other commitments every year, and have not been to it. It does appear that the organisers were trying to emulate city events in a small town. The expression "delusions of grandeur" comes to mind. As you will know, an ultimatum was given to the town in the Oban Times to buy (was it 2000 tickets?) within a couple of days or the event would be cancelled. (use it or lose it) Surprise surprise,the locals voted by not opening their wallets. That was pretty predictable. Since then there has been much tittle-tattle locally, (not that I listen to it ), a lot of it relating to what was being paid to entertainers, and if any of it is true, then the event would appear to have been killed by its own profligacy and lack of any sense of proportion. Sixty five thousand pounds???