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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.