Fireworks will be launched simultaneously from Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument for the first time – in a spectacular climax to this year’s Hogmanay celebrations in the city.
The stunning fireworks display will be a fitting way to herald in 2019 – the 150th anniversary year of the National Wallace Monument.
The event is among the highlights of Stirling’s annual winter festival, which was launched this week and will bring festive sparkle for residents and visitors throughout November and December.
Working in collaboration with partners throughout the city, the campaign will showcase Stirling as the perfect place to visit for festive fun, with great shopping, superb eating and drinking, a jam-packed events programme and a spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On.
It will round off with two Hogmanay events on the iconic Stirling Castle Esplanade, including the thrilling fireworks show, featuring the iconic historic landmarks of Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument.
Councillor Chris Kane, Convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, said: “Stirling is the perfect location to spend time with your family this festive season.
“The ever popular Winter Festival programme this year takes place in more venues than ever across the city centre. With music events, Christmas markets, food and drink festivities and plenty of family entertainment there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Stirling will be a hub of activity with fantastic shopping from high street stores to independent boutiques and plenty of welcoming places to eat and drink.”
Ken Thomson from Stirling District Tourism, said: “The Hogmanay fireworks at The National Wallace Monument will signal the start of a truly spectacular year for the attraction.
“Having originally opened in 1869, 2019 marks the Monument’s 150th anniversary, during which time it has become a world-famous landmark, representing Stirling and telling the story of William Wallace to millions of visitors, an achievement of which everyone in Stirling can be proud.”
The festive celebrations officially kick off in Stirling city centre at 2pm on Sunday, November 18, with a range of musical and festive entertainment.
The city will welcome the return of the Stirling Santa Parade, with Santa and his reindeer outside the Albert Halls at 2pm, ready to set off around the city centre, finishing back at the Albert Halls.
The free Capital FM Radio Roadshow will keep everybody entertained with festive tunes from the foot of King Street from 2.10pm onwards.
As well as competitions and giveaways, there will be live performances from a range of different musicians to keep all ages entertained, right up until the big Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm, with a special musical guest continuing the stage entertainment until 5.40pm.
Stirling’s Hogmanay event on Monday, December 31, will include two family ceilidhs at the Tolbooth, the ever popular Hogmanay Ceilidh at the Albert Halls and two outdoor evening events on Stirling Castle Esplanade.
The early evening Family Hogmanay Event will feature Capital FM, live music and a family fireworks display, while the later Stirling’s Hogmanay Event will finish with the thrilling fireworks display from Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument to usher in 2019 – the 150th anniversary year for the Monument.
Tickets for Stirling’s Hogmanay events are on sale from Friday, October 5, from Culture Stirling venues and http://culturestirling.org/
The Stirling Winter Festival campaign is also supported by a dedicated website – Stirling Winter Festival – where residents and visitors can stay up-to-date with all of Stirling’s Festive offering, including soon to be released details of Stirling’s Hogmanay.
