Former international chart-toppers Culture Club and current Mercury Music Prize winner Ms Dynamite will play for revellers during the city's New Year celebrations.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the city's New Year celebrations.

Organisers said they expected 100,000 people to pack the capital's streets.

Edinburgh is in the media's spotlight every year with an unrivalled programme of events which draws people from all over the world.

Cllr Steve Cardownie

In previous years, thousands of revellers crammed onto Princes Street at the foot of Edinburgh Castle for the Royal Bank street party and were treated to live performances by famous musicians.

At the top of last year's bill was Moby, who chose to play the Scottish capital over his home city of New York.

This year's appearance by Ms Dynamite will be her first major performance in Scotland.

Welcoming the plans, Edinburgh's Lord Provost, Eric Milligan said: "Not many New Year events of this calibre have been running for 10 years, and still go from strength to strength.

'League of its own'

"This year's programme promises to delight residents and visitors alike, and once again, the creation of a magical, fun filled four-day festival will make Edinburgh the place to be to celebrate the New Year."

At the stroke of midnight on 31 December, the Seven Hills Fireworks show will mark the start of 2003.

Leisure committee member Steve Cardownie said: "Ten years ago, people in Edinburgh would enjoy a traditional Scottish New Year but there was very little in the way of organised events for them or visitors to take part in.

Ms Dynamite: Mercury Music Prize winner

"Now Edinburgh is in the media's spotlight every year with an unrivalled programme of events which draws people from all over the world.

"This winter festival is undoubtedly in a league of its own and I am sure that this year's programme will be a resounding success."

The Scottish Executive is supporting the festivities and has agreed to provide �20,000 for a 'New Year - New You' programme.

Deputy Health Minister Mary Mulligan said on Tuesday that the event, on New Years Day, will take place in Holyrood Park and will involve a variety of family based activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle.