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GALLERY: New Year celebrations in full swing at Stonehaven Fireballs

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.”

Check out our gallery below.

Stonehaven fireballs returned for 2023. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Swingers getting ready to set off along the High Street. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Stonehaven fireballs return to Stonehaven. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Crowds wrapped up warm for the festivities .Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Highland dancers performing for the crowds. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
People enjoying the relaxed atmosphere . Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Newtonhill Pipe Band. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Piper with his festively lit up bagpipes. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Swingers marching through the High Street. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Pipers marching through the streets of Stonehaven. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Lots of happy smiles in the crowds. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Stonehaven Swingers marching through the High Street. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Fireball swingers walking down the High Street. Imag by: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Large crowds await the bells. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Stonehaven fireballs returned for 2023. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
The kids ‘fireball walk’. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
One of the fireball swingers. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Crowds enjoyed the evening entertainment. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Highland dancers performing for the crowds. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Swingers marching through the High Street before the bells. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Highland dancers performing for the crowds. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Fireballs being lit.  Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Swingers marching through the High Street. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Fantastic atmosphere in Stonehaven. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Crowds in costumes to celebrate the festivities. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Highland dancers sword dancing for the crowds. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Families and friends gathered to watch the fireballs. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Stonehaven fireballs returned for 2023. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
Swingers marching through the High Street in Stonehaven. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson
The firework finale. Image by Wullie Marr / DC Thomson

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