Screened live on BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay 2020 with Susan Calman, the fireworks drew in 1.5 million viewers to ring in the bells, with a further 220,000 on the Red Button Service.
A record-breaking social media response also saw engagement across the globe, as a unique and special fireworks display reflecting on the challenging year just gone in, and looking ahead to more positive times in 2021, lit up the night sky above the National Wallace Monument.
Digital concert delights Stirling residents
For Stirling residents, a special digital concert featuring performances from local musicians, mixed with messages of reflection and hope from residents who had been recognised for their achievements and contributions throughout the year, helped build up to the bells.
The figures were revealed in a new report discussed at the Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, and highlighted the benefits of the Hogmanay event, which was redesigned to meet Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines, enabling residents across the region to enjoy and watch the celebrations together from the safety of their own homes.
Filmed across Stirling Council venues
The programme was filmed across various Stirling Council’s venues, including The Tolbooth, The Albert Halls and The Monument, and also the Church of the Holy Rude.
As well as positive engagement locally across the Stirling and Forth Valley areas, the concert drew rave reviews from both national – in particular England and Ireland - and international audiences – from Canada, Greece, USA and Australia.
Putting Stirling artists to the fore
Convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Chris Kane said: “Stirling threw a digital New Year’s party to be proud of and we have been blown away by the response from people from all corners of the world.
“Whether they watched the fireworks live on the BBC, or enjoyed a digital concert which put Stirling artists to the fore via our social media channels, everyone enjoyed the show.
“In such challenging circumstances, we have again shown what a wonderful location Stirling is to host high profile events, both cementing and expanding our reputation to a global audience. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to our future events as we all look forward to a better 2021.”
Building up to the bells as one
Vice Convener, Councillor Scott Farmer said: “Stirling’s Hogmanay has wowed, surprised and delighted hundreds of thousands of people over the years and 2020 lived up to that tradition, albeit in a very different fashion.
“Despite the restrictions, our digital Hogmanay programme offered everyone in Stirling the chance to still come together, building up to the bells as one, and the feedback we have received has surpassed even our expectations.
“With the Council having taken back management responsibility for the Wallace Monument, the live fireworks provided the perfect way for us all to say hello to 2021 and hopefully a brighter future next year.”
Anyone who missed the event can relive the night by viewing special drone footage from the National Wallace Monument via Stirling Council’s Facebook page.
