Stirling Council has unveiled the spectacular celebrations planned for Hogmanay 2017 – with thousands of revelers set to bring in the New Year in style with a party set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Stirling Castle.
The ‘Midnight Moment’ fireworks display will be the city’s largest ever and is set to light up the night sky. This will be complemented by a programme of entertainment from Stirling City Radio, with live guest DJ sets and live entertainment from 10.45pm to 12.15am.
There will also be a 9.00pm fireworks display targeted at family groups that will also be hosted by Stirling City Radio, with a live, acoustic set from BBC’s ‘The Voice’ winner, Steve McCrorie and DJ sets from 7.45pm to 9.15pm.
The festivities will be focused on the Castle’s Esplanade which will provide the perfect view of both displays, with a ticketed, viewing area for 1,500 people. There will also be hot food stalls and an outdoor bar at both events.
The Hogmanay programme also includes the traditional and very popular Albert Halls Hogmanay Ceilidh, and free lantern-making workshops for all ages on December 31st.
Councillor Scott Farmer, Leader of Stirling Council, said: “The Hogmanay celebrations are a key part of Stirling’s event calendar and I’m delighted we have secured such a strong line up. We’ve listened to the feedback from our residents and this year we have introduced new events which will allow our younger residents to get involved and join in the fun, including an additional firework display and a family ceilidh. We will also have our biggest ever midnight display to date – and ticket holders will be able to take advantage of watching from the Stirling Castle Esplanade which will be the perfect spot for enjoying the event up close.”
Cllr Farmer continued, “Stirling’s Hogmanay 2017 is part of Stirling’s new look Winter Festival campaign, which will mark the start of a big year of events for Stirling in 2018. We have exciting and ambitious plans for the year ahead and we’re looking forward to announcing more details in the coming weeks.”
Stirling’s Hogmanay 2017, is supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals a programme of events managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Stirling’s Hogmanay will herald in 2018 – Scotland’s Year of Young People. The Year of Young People 2018 is a year-long programme of events, activities & ideas that will give young people in Scotland the opportunity to show the world what they are made of.
Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for International Development and Europe, said:
“Few places celebrate New Year quite like Scotland – the home of the world renowned Hogmanay celebrations. Fire festivals, torchlight processions, street parties, live music, fireworks and good food and drink really make Scotland one of the best places in the world to bring in the New Year.
“Coupled with this is our quintessential warm Scottish welcome, which is extended to hundreds of thousands of visitors each Hogmanay. Scotland boasts a huge array of celebrations to suit anyone, from large scale events such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to smaller, regional gatherings.
“Whether it is first footers bringing coal, toasting with a dram at midnight or taking part in an invigorating ‘Loony Dook’ on New Year’s Day, there are many ways for people to come together in celebration.”
Stirling’s Hogmanay 2017 is part of The Stirling Winter Festival campaign. Residents and visitors can stay up-to-date with festive activity taking place across Christmas and New Year online at www.stirlingwinterfestival.com.
Tickets for the firework displays go on sale on Friday, 17th November, and are available from stirlingwinterfestival.com. Tickets for the 9pm display are £5 per person and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 under 16s) and £6 per person for the midnight display.