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The fireball-festival takes place on Hogmanay, the 31st of December. Moments before the old Town House bell chimes midnight, welcoming in January 1st, the music of a small pipe band is heard, fireballs are lit and swingers emerge from the street leading to the harbour, helping to speed the Old Year on its way and to herald in the New in ancient style with a highly dexterous performance.

The best time to come to see the ceremony is around about 11:20 on the night, any earlier you will freeze, any later you will not get a decent view. Allow extra time if you are taking a car, as parking can become a problem, more about parking later on in the website. 

The swingers will appear just as the clock strikes twelve but there is usually the pipe band to see first, so be there in plenty of time. 

This year we will have three large Digital clocks which are synchronized with the atomic clock, these will help everyone know when the new year actually comes.