The theme this year is ‘It’s Time to Ring in the New Year!’ and at 6.30pm on December 31st a procession of sculptures and handheld lanterns will head off from Mars Wark at the Top of the Town, down towards Port Street.
Many families have already made their own lanterns in a series of workshops held in the Old Town Jail in recent weeks. If you haven’t been able to take part so far, don’t worry – everyone is invited to come along and join in the festivities. Just remember to dress appropriately for the occasion. We might even have some glow sticks and lights to hand out to those who want to participate!
The parade will be enhanced by performances from musicians and arts groups, making it incredibly fun to watch and take part in, with drumming & piping groups bringing the parade to a spectacular end at approximately 8.00pm. Some street performances will also be on Port Street from 8.00pm to 10.00pm to entertain the public.
Those staying up a bit later in the evening will be able to enjoy Stirling’s ‘Midnight Moment’ - a spectacular fireworks display which will again take place from Stirling Castle – though revellers should note that there will be no access to the Castle Esplanade. However, as the fireworks will light up the Stirling skyline you won’t be short of vantage points to enjoy the spectacle.
Provost Mike Robbins said: “Building on the success of last year's parade we have added a few more surprises and hope that Stirling residents and visitors will be able to join in the fun, whatever the weather. I look forward to welcoming everyone to this family-friendly celebration.”
Rhona Corscadden, Senior Events Manager at EventScotland, said: “Stirling’s Hogmanay is a great addition to Scotland’s Winter Festivals events programme, which is managed by EventScotland, and should be an exciting event for people to come along to from Stirling and the wider area. It’s fitting as we head into Scotland’s 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology there is a celebration taking place at one of our most stunning historical landmarks, Stirling Castle. The addition of the Midnight Moment, which will herald the start of the New Year, will be a memorable and spectacular occasion.”
Stirling's Hogmanay Celebrations 2016
To celebrate Hogmanay 2016, Stirling will again host a fabulous, family-friendly sound and light parade, to illuminate and animate the city.
