The popular Council-run attraction will again stage a dazzling fireworks display, with support from EventScotland, to bring in the bells live on BBC Scotland’s coverage of the New Year festivities after being used to first foot the nation. 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.
This year’s Hogmanay firework display - which is not open to the public - will be the grand finale of Stirling Council’s safe and sparkling programme of festive events being delivered over November and December. The Festive programme includes a wide mix of in-person and watch-from-home festive activities hosted at Stirling’s cultural venues, within public health guidelines.Ready to Light Up Scotland Once AgainCommunity Planning and Regeneration Convener, Cllr Chris Kane said: “The fireworks display last Hogmanay was a rare high point in an otherwise difficult festive period. For a moment Stirling brightened up the skies above the Wallace Monument and brightened the mood of the country.
“This year the BBC are back to broadcast the display and Stirling is ready to light up Scotland once again. The fireworks will be the finale to an exciting programme of festivities, with a range of tightly managed in-person and watch-from-home events.
“We have a difficult balancing act to ensure we can enjoy mixing in person this year whilst recognising that Stirling continues to record significant positive Covid test results in what is a fluid and fast changing situation.
“We’re all dreaming of a Christmas just like the ones we used to know, but we’re not quite there yet, so stay safe, shop local and enjoy what we already know to be a great city of culture this Christmas.”Festive Family FunThe City Centre festive lights will also be twinkling later this month and to start off the festive season there will be a Christmas Market in the Albert Halls on 20/21 November. Go Forth Stirling BID are working with local businesses to encourage a wide range of fun festive activities around Stirling on this weekend too.
Musical acts such as Del Amitri and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will also be performing at the Tolbooth and Albert Halls. Christmas Ceilidhs and festive movies to enjoy with all the family additionally feature in the programme.
Vice Convener, Cllr Scott Farmer said: “While this Christmas and New Year period will look a lot closer to normal than last year, we still urge caution from the public while taking part in any activities this year. Covid still poses a serious threat to our communities despite the progress we have made in reducing transmission across Stirling and Scotland. I’d also ask residents to support local businesses as much as possible this year by shopping locally.
“The events on offer this year will be a wonderful addition to the cultural calendar and the return of the BBC to the National Wallace Monument for Hogmanay is a welcome showcase for one of Stirling’s most iconic landmarks as we bring in the New Year.”