Hogmanay lantern parade will light up city
Preparations for Hogmanay in Stirling are continuing with a parade set to light up the city.
The theme this year is ‘It’s Time to Ring in the New Year!’ and at 6.30pm on December 31 a procession of sculptures and handheld lanterns will head off from Mar’s Wark at the Top of the Town, down towards Port Street. Many families have already made their own lanterns at a series of workshops held in the Old Town Jail in St John Street in recent weeks. Those with no lanterns, however, are welcome to attend, and glow sticks and lights will be handed out to those in the crowd who wish to participate.
The parade will be joined by arts groups, drummers and pipers and is due to reach Port Street where there will be street performances from 8pm to 10pm.
Those staying up a bit later will be able to enjoy Stirling’s ‘Midnight Moment’ - a spectacular fireworks display which will again take place from Stirling Castle – though the castle esplanade will be closed to visitors, with no large concert-style event being held.
Stirling 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, added: “Stirling’s Hogmanay is a great addition to the Scotland’s Winter Festivals events programme 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.”
More details of the festivities are available online at www. stirlingwinterfestival.com .