Every New Year at midnight, the Hogmanay celebrations in the town of Stonehaven centre around a large, fireball-swinging procession which marches through the town down to the harbour and then throws the flaming orbs into the sea. With 60 marchers (who must reside in the Burgh) all whirling 16-pound balls of fire above their heads on strong, five-foot long wire ropes, the parade makes an impressive and faintly terrifying spectacle.

The festival is said to date to a fisherman's festival in the 19th century, but easily preserves much older pagan traditions, such as the fireball-swinging ritual being a purification rite, warding off evil spirits.

Organisers now expect something in the region of 12,000 spectators, so prepare for an extended wait at the end for the crowds to dissipate.

Event Details
Place: Scotland (Stonehaven)
When: 31 Dec 2004 (annual)
Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Midnight

Venue Details
Name: Stonehaven
Country: Scotland
Directions: About 16 miles south of Aberdeen, easily accessible from the north and south. By Car: from the south, travel along the A90 and the A94, and from the north by the A90. By Train: on the main rail route to Aberdeen.