Stonehaven Fireballs

If you are looking for a unique way to bring in the New Year, why not book a stay at Deeside Holiday Park and bring in the New Year at the Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony. This event is one of Scotland's leading Hogmanay celebrations and takes place just 10 miles from the park. The local community has celebrated the fireballs for well over 100 years. As the old Town House bells chime midnight, the fireballs are lit, and swingers emerge from the street leading to the harbour. The local pipe band heralds in the procession, followed by about 40 locals swinging great balls of fire above their heads in a hot display of bravery. The fireballs are extinguished in spectacular fashion as they are hurled into the harbour, and then the New Year is celebrated with a firework display and much jubilation. 

Be warned – this is a popular free event, with roughly 8,000 to 12,000 spectators, so make sure to arrive early for the ideal viewing points! People start to gather in the High Street from 10.00pm onwards on December 31st. There is street entertainment from 11pm. The Stonehaven fireball festival starts at midnight, and lasts for approximately 20 minutes, followed by fireworks over the harbour. The organisers have to close access to the High Street when they reach capacity. This can happen any time after 11.00pm, so don't leave it too late or you may be disappointed.