Stonehaven, a small coastal town, 15 miles south of Aberdeen is planning it's biggest ever event at Hogmanay 2012.

Already famous for its Fireball Festival a unique event which draws crowds of 8 - 10,000 and attracts interest from all over the world.

From 2000 to 2010 an other event called Open Air in the Square also took place which involve funfair activities for the children and musicians on stage etc and this attracted another couple of thousand people.

In 2011 there was no Open Air in the Square due to lack of volunteers to help to organise it.

This was missed in the town, so local hotel owner Michelle Ward siezed the opportunity to do something about it, which should result in Stonehaven's biggest ever event

Already booked to headline this event are The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

See video below 

From 2pm to 6pm on Hogmanay there will be street dances, storytellers, The Lindsay School Dancers and Blazin Fiddles.
From 8.30 pm, there will be various local artistes including Beatles tribute band Revolver prior to the appearance of The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.A lone piper will welcome in the New Year before the Final set by Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

To get entry to the Market Square all ticketholders must exchange their tickets for wristbands from the Royal Hotel reception.This can be done at the following times

Sat 22nd, Sun 23rd Thurs 27th Fri 28th Sat 29th Sun 30th December between 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
Monday 24th Dec 2pm - 4pm
Monday 31st Dec 2pm -4pm and 6pm - 8pm
Tickets must be shown before wristbands are issued.

Please note that the Local Authority are not allowing cash to be taken at the on-site bar so Bar Vouchers can be purchased at the Royal Hotel reception when claiming your wristbands.

There will be a large screen to show the Fireballs live on Hogmanay and there will be plenty footage to promote Stonehaven and the local businesses.

Car parks will be open at Carlton House, Queens Road, Mackie Academy, Railway Station, Forest View, Mill O' Forest School and Carronhill School but if at all possible you should avoid taking your car to the event

Tickets are now available online from Your Events Scotland or Woodend Barn  -  ONLINE TICKETS SOLD OUT

or in the following local shops

Ma Simpsons, 26, Evan Street, Stonehaven AB39 2ET Tel: 01569 766264
Celtic Chords, Barclay Street, Stonehaven. Tel: 01569 763913

Tuesday 1st January 2013
Family ceilidh/session to start the new year, bar music and songs in Stonehaven Town Hall. A relaxing start to the year. From 2-6 pm

Businesses in the area can support Stonehaven Festivals and Events Group's efforts to put Stonehaven area on the map and attract more business and visitors throughout the year. More Details Here