Company in bid to win licence for show in Market Square

The north-east could see the return of a Hogmanay event this year if councillors give the go-ahead to the event organisers.

Stonehaven Open Air in the Square (OAITS) could be brought back this year by Glasgow-based company Two Presentations, who have applied for the use of the Market Square for a “music event”.

The licensing of the event is being considered by Aberdeenshire councillors at next week’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee with a recommendation to agree to the request. Keith Montgmery, one of the owners of the company, said the lineup will not be announced until sometime in April, but said: “We are currently planning the event and are hoping to deliver something that is value for money.

“We will make sure people get a good act and are working hand-in-hand with Stonehaven Fireballs and hope to get a late licence so that people could potentially see both.”

Mr Montgomery hopes the event would be a boost to the local economy and added: “Ideally it will attract people from further out who will stay in hotels and the area for a few days.”

Councillors have been asked to consider the impact it will have on businesses in the Market Square and whether a public resource should be used for a commercial event.

Local hotelier and previous OAITS helper Michelle Ward welcomed the plans and said: “I think it will have to be commercial because an event like this is far too big for a community group to organise.

“An event on Hogmanay gives Stonehaven nationwide advertising and also helps tourism.”

STAR TURN: Stonehaven could perhaps see acts like Simple Minds back in the town for Hogmanay if a new event gets the go-ahead from councillors