Stonehaven Fireball Festival (Scotland)

Stonehaven is the best place in the world to see in Hogmany, the fireballs only part of it... Start off in one of the 12 pubs that Stonehaven has to offer (not bad considering there's only 10,000 people), make your way to the Market square, where you'll see the dance floor and stage being set up for the party. Make sure you stop in at one of the local shops to pick up a wee something to keep the cold night out and then make your way to the harbour by about 11pm to make sure you get a good spot. The route starts at the harbour, where the fireballs are lit (fireballs are made of old rags soaked in petrol, put in a wire ball and then lit) and go up ...  Read the complete review

I first came across this festival when I was living in Edinburgh. I had gone to the infamous Edinburgh Street Party for Hogmanay and fancied something a bit different and more low key. The Fire-throwing festival involves people marching up and down the High Street in the Old Town from the Mercat Cross at the east end of the street near the harbour, to the Cannon embedded nose down at the west end. They swing fireballs around their heads and are egged on by the crowd. The verdict: The Fireball Festival is amazing and it was one of the best New Year's Eve's I have ever had. Stonehaven is a pretty village that is worth visiting in Summer or ...  Read the complete review