Thousands of people lined the streets of Stonehaven’s old town to get 2023 off to a fiery start.
The world-famous Stonehaven Fireballs returned fully this year, with about 40 swingers marching up and down High Street at midnight.
Last year, when Covid was restricting new year celebrations, the fireballs association delighted locals with a surprise event.
But last night, the spectacle – believed to one of the last remaining of its kind – was back in all its glory, with people from all over turning out to enjoy it.
Chairman Ross Milne said: “The night itself was great – everything was very successful so we were happy. It was really good to see everyone back having fun and filling the streets. Thank you to everybody for all the donations that made it possible.
“We were a little bit concerned about the numbers, at 10.30pm it wasn’t as busy as it normally would be, but come 11.30pm it was mobbed. We reached capacity for sure, so we had more than 10,000.
“Some folk were there for the first time, those who have recently moved to Stonehaven, and a couple came from Texas as well. They said they’d come over especially to celebrate their December birthdays. It’s always good to hear those stories.”
Entertainment at the event was provided by Newtonhill Pipe Band and the Lindsay School of Dance, as well as the mini swingers who took to the streets before midnight.
Mr Milne added: “The kids swing balls of light to represent fireballs. They were brilliant, they got a good cheer going down the street.”
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