Oban Hogmanay

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

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