HOW TO CELEBRATE NEW YEARS EVE A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY THIS YEAR
The impending arrival of New Years Eve inevitably prompts that age-old question: how are you celebrating? For many, the evening looks like a close gathering with family and friends, a revelrous night out, or a cosy evening in with the kids. On the British Isles, however, things are done a little differently …
In Scotland, the heralding in of the new year isn’t just a night’s celebration – it’s a full, several-day affair, and is arguably the largest and most important celebration of the year. Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the old year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner – expect full tartan, pipers, and a strong sense of community! Even in the smallest of towns, you will find revellers take to the streets to link arms with strangers and to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – often accompanied by spontaneous ceilidh dancing, fireworks and, of course, the obligatory lone (and often drunken!) piper. For the best and most famous fireworks, join 40 000 other party-goers at the infamous Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party – and, at the stroke of midnight, watch the spectacular display of fireworks which burst from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, illuminating the iconic skyline and dramatic volcanic rocks of the ancient city.
Ceilidhs – traditional Scottish folk dances, pronounced ‘kay-lee’ – launch into full swing to celebrate the coming of the new year. Perhaps the largest and most energetic of these is Pitlochry’s outdoor ceilidh, which sees thousands of visitors join in the festivities each year. Every ceilidh will have a ‘caller’, a leader announcing the steps of each dance; if the terms ‘Strip the Willow’ and ‘dosey doe’ mean nothing to you now – expect to arrive a newbie and to leave an expert!
A tradition even more ancient is the fire processions of Hogmanay. The turn of each year sees processions of flames and fireballs illuminate the dark streets of Scotland’s cities and towns. Begin celebrations a day early with Edinburgh’s torchlight procession – an ancient, Viking tradition which sees 20 000 torches carried in a winding procession through the city’s historic streets. Alternatively, witness the spectacular and dramatic Comrie Flambeaux or the Stonehaven Fireballs – which, just preceding the stroke of midnight, see performers launch into a frenzy of swinging fireballs, marching pipe bands, and fancy dress.
And, to wash it all away, there is the inaugural Loony Dook – a tradition which sees intrepid partiers plunge themselves into the icy waters of the Scottish seas. Deriving its name from the Scots word for ‘bathe’ – ‘dook’ – as well as from the apparent lunacy of intentionally entering the grey January seas, the best known and largest of these occasions takes place in the Firth of Forth, just outside Edinburgh. Expect looniness and joy – as well as ample fancy dress, most likely including a scantily-clad Father Christmas and plenty of flamboyant tartan.
A hop across to neighbouring Ireland reveals traditions just as ancient and captivating. Perhaps most mystical isthe final sundown of the year from Achill Hill – which, set at just ten degrees west, provides one of the last sunsets in Europe. Settle yourself down at the observation point at Minaun, facing west across the Atlantic, and watch the last rays of 2024 disappear over the horizon – before joining the locals in welcoming in the new year with a warm toast and a rousing chorus from Achill’s traditional pipe bands.
If the sound of all this outdoor revelry sounds just a bit too nippy – then the cosy interiors of England’s classic pubs may be the place for you. To join New Years Eve celebrations in one of London’s traditional drinking institutions is to join a centuries-old tradition – topped off, at the chimes of Big Ben, by the spectacular display of fireworks which launches each year from barges on the River Thames. See London’s iconic landmarks in spectacular relief – either from the water itself, from within the warm confines of the Shard or the rooftop of London Bridge, or huddled with family and friends at the top of iconic and panoramic Primrose Hill.