Sparkling way to bring in 2019 at the castle

Stirling Castle will again be the centrepiece for the city’s Hogmanay celebrations this year.

The skies above the fortress will be awash with colour during two firework shows.

One for families begins at 7.45pm (gates open at 7.15pm) and finishes at 9.15pm. The main event up to the bells and beyond starts at 10.45pm (gates open at 10.15pm) and concludes at 12.15am.

Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said: “It’s brilliant to see that ticket sales are already higher than they were at this stage last year, which shows the growing reputation of Stirling’s Hogmanay celebrations and our strong record of hosting top-class large-scale events.”

‘Let it Shine’ finalist Mark Angels will sing at the second of the shows on the castle esplanade.

He will perform a solo set before joining rock choir Soul Nation for the party before the big pyrotechnic display bringing in 2019.

Stirling band The Cobalts will also rock the castle with their 60s-inspired music and Capital Scotland DJ Fat Brestovca will keep revellers entertained with upbeat anthems and competitions.

The midnight fireworks display itself will be accompanied by a Calvin Harris musical medley.

The earlier display will feature music chosen by young people in a vote on social media.

Over-18s can take alcohol to the displays. No glass will be allowed and stewards or police may ask for ID.

Tickets for the family show are £6 each or £20 for a family of four. Main display tickets are £10 each.

For more information or to book tickets for both events visit www.stirlingwinterfestival.com.

The Landtrain will be running up the castle through the city centre, dropping off at the top of Broad Street (last drop-off 7.45pm).

Elsewhere in Stirling District, there were be a traditional ceilidh in Killin’s McLaren Hall from 8.30pm on Hogmanay. There will also be a firework display at Breadalbane Park to ring in the new year.

And the night before, December 30, Scottish folk band Skippinish will provide traditional musical festivities at McLaren Hall in a sold-out gig.

The celebrations have been planned by a group of volunteers who staged a series of fundraisers to set up the New Year events throughout the year including a sponsored cycle from Killin to Callander and back.

Killin New Year organising committee member Mike Beresford said: “We decided we would hold [the fireworks] this year at Breadalbane Park because it is easily accessible to everyone and there’s plenty of parking.

“We will see how it all goes this year and if people don’t like it then we will certainly look into taking them back to the Falls of Dochart in future.”

For more information about New Year festivities go to: stirlingwinterfestival.com