Visitors and locals have been getting in early to ensure they don’t miss out on two stunning firework shows and an exciting programme of music and entertainment.
And to ensure everyone is fully prepared to enjoy the celebrations to the incredible backdrop of Stirling Castle, we have compiled a list of FAQs to give you the lowdown on our New Year’s Eve extravaganza.
- What time will both Hogmanay events at the Stirling Castle Esplanade get underway?
7.45pm for Stirling’s Family Hogmanay at Stirling Castle Esplanade (tickets available online or the Tolbooth)
10.45pm for Stirling’s Hogmanay at Stirling Castle Esplanade (now sold out)
- Where can I find out more information?
www.stirlingwinterfestival.com
www.culturestirling.org
www.stirling.gov.uk, and the Council’s Twitter and Facebook accounts
- What is on at the Esplanade?
Two ticketed outdoor events in partnership with Capital Scotland with an exciting line-up of live music, entertainment and competitions. Both will finish with a spectacular fireworks display – 9 pm for the family event (launched from the grounds of Stirling Castle) and midnight for the later event (fireworks lighting up both Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument).
- Can I just go to the Castle to watch the fireworks?
No, everybody on the Esplanade needs a ticket for the event. There will be no access to the Esplanade without a ticket. Ballengeich Cemetery and the Top of the Town cemetery will also be closed to the public as this is part of the fireworks fallout safety zone.
- Can I go up to the Monument to watch the fireworks?
No, there will be no public access to the Monument for the fireworks display.
- Can I bring my baby to the Esplanade?
Both events finish with fireworks displays overhead. The fireworks at the Family Hogmanay event are quieter than the midnight fireworks but are still loud and immediately overhead so may not be suitable for babies or very small children.
- Why do I need to buy a ticket for my baby?
The event space is calculated to a specific capacity and the safety and welfare plan is also calculated to this capacity. To maintain an exact count of attending numbers, we need all attendees to have a ticket, including babies in buggies/prams.
- Can my 17-year-old come with their friends?
No, all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Is there a bar?
There is no bar on the Esplanade but over 18s can bring alcohol for their own consumption. A Challenge 25 policy will be in place and stewards or Police may ask for ID from anybody bringing/drinking alcohol who appears to be under 25. Please note there will be NO GLASS containers allowed on the Esplanade. Bag searches will be in place before the ticket search area and glass will be confiscated and not returned.
- Can I buy food?
Yes, there will be hot food vendors on the Esplanade
- Can I bring my dog?
No pets are allowed on The Esplanade with the exception of certified assistance dogs.
- Can I park on the Esplanade?
There is no parking on the Esplanade. A small number of Blue Badge spaces are available in the Old Town Jail car park on a first-come-first-served basis. The nearest drop off point is at the top of Broad Street. Parking on Upper Castlehill/Ballengeich Pass will be suspended all day on the 31st of December.
- How do I get into the event?
Access to the Esplanade will be via Mar Place then walking up the Stirling Castle access road.
- Are there road closures?
Ballengeich Pass/Road, Upper Castlehill, Lower Castlehill/Barn Road/Castle Wynd will be closed from 6.45pm (31.12.18) to 1.00am (01.01.19). Access to the lower section of Ballengeich Pass/Road will be maintained for residents.
Broad Street will be closed to north-west bound traffic turning up from Bow Street from 6.45pm to 1 am. Broad Street will operate as a one-way street for the duration of the event with access from the top via Mar Place.
- Can I go to both events?
Yes, you can buy tickets for both events (subject to availability) but you will need to leave after the first event finishes at 9.15pm and re-enter for the second event.
16. What happens if there is bad weather?
We will be monitoring the weather forecast from the 28th December and will communicate any weather-related information via Stirling Council social media channels. We will assess weather conditions regularly and advise on any safety concerns.
17. What happens if the event is cancelled?
If for any reason, the event is required to be cancelled, this will be communicated via Stirling Council’s and Police Scotland’s social media channels.
18. Can I buy a ticket at the gate?
Tickets cannot be bought at the gate. All those attending must produce a physical printed ticket. Tickets bought online need to be collected from the box office before the event.
19. What are the box office opening hours at the Albert Halls and the Tolbooth?
Albert Halls Box Office Opening Hours
Dec 29 – 2pm to 8.30pm
Dec 30 – Jan 2 – closed
Tolbooth Box Office Opening Hours
Dec 24 – Dec 30 – closed
Dec 31 – 10am to 10.30pm