We’ve all done the routine New Year celebrations – overpriced bars and clubs, fireworks at midnight and a badly sung Auld Lang Syne – but not everywhere brings in the New Year in this way. So if you fancy doing something a bit different, here are a few of the more quirky ways to celebrate…
Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony (Photo copyright: Paul Mitchell, www.paulmitchellphotography.com)
Stonehaven Fireballs
When: 31st December 2017, just before midnight (arrive earlier for a good viewing spot)
Where: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
£: Free but donations to keep the event going will be welcomed (there will be volunteers collecting on the night)
What is it?
The Stonehaven Fireballs light up the local High Street every New Year, attracting many spectators. The event sees a parade of around 45 people swinging fireballs around their heads. The fireballs themselves are made from balls of chicken wire filled with materials such as wood, coal and fir cones. These are then doused in paraffin and a wire is attached ready for ‘swinging’.
This unusual event began in the early 1900s and the fireballs were originally swung by the men of the fishing community. There are several explanations to why people begun swinging fireballs. One theory is that they were Pagan sun charms to ensure plenty of sunshine for the year to come. Another theory is that they were meant to destroy all harmful influences.
These days the event attracts thousands of visitors and the entertainment usually begins at around 11pm with pipe bands and drummers. The parade itself begins just after the Town House bell strikes midnight, making its way along the High Street, ending at the Harbour where the fireballs are thrown into the sea. The parade lasts about half an hour and the event ends with a firework display.
No tickets are required to watch the event, but spectators should make sure that they arrive by at least 10.30pm in order to find a good viewing spot. Visitors should also remember to wrap up warm for the event.
More info: www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk
Comrie Flambeaux
When: 31st December 2017
Where: Comrie, Perthshire
£: Free
What is it?
As it hits midnight in Comrie, wooden torches known as ‘Flambeaux’ are lit and paraded through the village.
This is another event which is thought to have begun to help ward off evil spirits. The event hasn’t changed much over the years, and today the torch lit parade is led by a pipe band and followed by a topical fancy dress parade. At the end of the parade the torches are thrown into the River Earn in order to cast out the spirits.
Earlier in the evening, the village also hosts a children’s fancy dress parade and fireworks.
More info: www.comrie.org.uk
‘Guisers’ carry blazing tar barrels (Photo courtesy of www.visitnorthumberland.com)
Tar Bar’l Ceremony
When: 31st December 2017
Where: Allendale, Northumberland
£: Free to watch
What is it?
The town of Allendale in Northumberland celebrates every New Year with the unique Tar Bar’l Ceremony. The celebration features a lively procession through the streets at midnight, with flaming tar barrels and a brass band.
The fiery procession is made up of 45 barrel carriers, known as ‘guisers’, all wearing special costumes. The guisers carry whiskey barrels, filled with burning hot tar, through the streets of Allendale to the town centre.
The barrels are then used to ignite a ceremonial bonfire, known as the ‘Baal Fire’. As the ceremonial fire is ignited everyone shouts “Be damned to he who throws last”.
Allendale’s Tar Barrel or Tar Bar’l Ceremony dates back to 1858, but its origins are unclear. It is thought by some to be of Pagan origin, and by some to be from carol singers who used the barrels to light their way instead of candles.
However it started, it certainly makes for a lively alternative to fireworks!
More info: www.visitnorthumberland.com
The Loony Dook is a quirky part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (Photo Lloyd Smith)
Loony Dook
When: 1st January 2018, from 10.45am
Where: South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
£: Free to watch
What is it?
Edinburgh is world-renowned for its New Year, or Hogmanay celebrations, as the city comes alive with concerts, street parties, fireworks and torchlit processions. However, one of the more unusual celebrations is the Loony Dook.
Since 1987 a large amount of wacky people have taken an annual plunge in the River Forth near the famous bridge. Mainly donned in fancy dress, people come from all over to take part in this quirky celebration.
The Loony Dook first began when two men in the bar of The Moorings decided to do something different to celebrate the New Year (and perhaps clear their hangovers at the same time). Some of the locals decided to join in and so the crazy custom was born.
Today there are usually around 1000 brave participants, as well as hundreds of onlookers. It all kicks off with the Dookers Parade along the High Street just after midday, before the participants head down to the beach, and the ‘Dooking’ area, to take the plunge.
Visitors can cheer the Dookers on along Queensferry High Street, including the pier and beach, but spectators are recommended to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
More info: www.edinburghshogmanay.com and www.facebook.com/loonydook