Stonehaven Fireballs 2023 - A New Year Celebration Like No Other! Here's What it's Really Like...
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- Опубликовано: 31 дек 2022
- Join us in Stonehaven as we welcome in 2023 with this unique ceremony on the streets of Stonehaven in the Northeast of Scotland. The Fireballs have been swinging here on the High Street at New Year for over 150 years, warding off bad spirits and bringing in a fresh new start to the year. I've tried to capture the true feeling of this ever popular event to let you see what it's really like to be in among the crowds on this incredible night. Enjoy the video and Happy New Year to every one of you!
Hi, I’m Steve, a travel reviewer from Scotland. Join me on my adventures as I discover my own country, often visiting places for the first time, so hopefully it's as much of an eye-opener for you as it is for me! Don't expect expert opinion, just a very honest journey of discovery. Sometimes featuring my intrepid sidekick Alicja, sometimes featuring adventures beyond the borders of Scotland. Enjoy!
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#Fireballs #Stonehaven #NewYear
I remember back when I was a 'young un' and there were no barriers - you'd see people running across the road to catch up with friends for a drink, dodging the fireballs. More than one person went home with a scorch mark on the back of a jacket!! :) Happy New Year to you both!
Haha aye I heard some people talking about how it was without barriers - wow! I'm just happy some councillor hasn't had it shut down yet on health and safety grounds! Happy New Year Derrick!
Yes 😂 - I’ve never forgotten back in the late seventies when a drunk bloke stumbled in front of a fireball, and his anorak hood went up in flames 🫣🔥, and we all pelted him with snowballs to put it out 🤭. Not something you’d forget in a hurry!
@@alisonmanson3414 great story
I found the barriers a pain , but understand why they have to do it .interesting what you said that there was no barriers many years ago. I got stuck on the corner trying to get from harbour back to the high street I could not move. It put me in a state of panic . I think it could still be organised better by having a one way system. Plus a soup / coffee kitchen set up at the sea cadets hall near the harbour with money made going to charity. I seem to have taken similar footage .
@@standrewpics Indeed. I'm just a smidgin older than Steve, but I remember there being no barriers right up until the late 80's and probably into the 90s. I think when it started being shown live consistently on the various Hogmanay shows, and more and more people started visiting, they had to do something to control the crowds. I've probably only been three or fours times since then and I really can't stand the crush! It's quite a thin street to hold the number of people that come along to see them these days.
My husband swung his fireball for 26 years, he loved itxx
Will done Linda's husband! :)
I think you've discovered that you are very good at filming in the dark. That was superb. I wouldn't have known about this unique ceremony unless you'd brought it to us. Thank you for your channel and Happy New Year to you both.
Happy New Year! And I'll let the camera take the credit for the filming - turned out better than I expected :D
I couldn’t imagine what you meant by folks swinging fireballs for 20+ minutes, but now I know. WOW, what a way to bring in the New Year! 🔥 Thank you for sharing this lively, unique celebration! May you both enjoy the blessings of this coming year.
Aye, I'm happy to film it rather than swing those balls of fire! Happy New Year to you!
BRIL GOOD OLD STONEHAVEN PUTS A LOT PLACES TO SHAME, KEEP YOUR VIDIOS COMING STEVE YOU ARE THE BEST HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TAM IN GALASHIELS
Cheers Tam! Happy New Year mate!
Never heard of this, the good people of Scotland certainly know how to put on a spectacle, another great video
Blimey 😜 Have a great 2023 👍
You too mate! Ae the best from us both!
I don't know on what fact you based the saying: 'I am not good at filming in the dark'. You really nailed it in capturing the atmosphere of such an unique happening. Thanks to the both of you for sharing this. Bliadhna Mhath Ùr
So much better way to start the year than 'traditional' fireworks.
Happy New Year!
Oh couldn't agree more! Happy new Year!
Happy New Year to you Both. That was good to see, thank you for that. I remember the 1st time I came across the pair of you,
you were out walking in the snow in Edinburgh, you walked from your house right up the town. You met other people, it was good to see.
I wish you all the best for 2023 & look forward to more videos. From me in Irvine 🤗😘
Happy New Year to my favourite RUclipsrs and RUclips channel. Have a great 2023!!
Happy New Year Richard, aw the best from us both mate :)
Happy New Year Steve to both you Alicia. Bang up job filming at night. Thanks for bringing this to us.
Cheers Mark! I was worried I'd have no footage to play with, but worked out pretty good (although that's down to the camera more than my skills) Happy New Year!
Spent New Years visiting friends in Paysley (near Glasgow) back in the early 2000's, had a smashing time. I even brought the snow from Canada with me as we woke up to a few inches on new years day. :) Happy new year to you Steve!
Wow Steve I’ve celebrated Hogmanay in Plockton Braemar the Clachaig in Glencoe but never have I ever seen such a delightful night… Well captured and filmed in your usual delightful way
I have never seen this, wonderful,something that health and safety haven't shut down too!Happy New Year from New Zealand.
Happy new year stephen🎆🎇 from dublin love to everyone in the chat❤
Happy New Year Shane! :)
Happy New Year
Happy New Year Scott!
Yon Alicja's a cheery wee soul, right enough. Great coverage of the fireballs. Liked the shot of that poor puggled guy having a breather (6:40).
Great Video
Happy New year to you both
Happy New Year Mark!
Happy new year Steve was so close to you I was the guy in the Edinburgh rugby hat, was going to wait till midnight but it went a bit mad so all the best for 23 for you both
Haha no way! Hope you had an awesome night and a Happy New Year to you and your family! :)
Happy New year to you both
Cheers Braveheart! Happy New Year from us both!
Happy New Year Steve ! Thanks for filming Stonehaven. 🙂 I've seen the fireballs there once ; what a way to celebrate the return of the light & turning of the year! ~ Have a great 2023 everyone 😻🏴🌠
That’s a tradition I knew nothing of. What a spectacle! Thanks to you both for braving the cold for us!
Cheers mate! :)
Great video 📸 loving the channel.
I watched all your videos over the past year of 2022 and I must say it has made me decide to book a trip to Scotland and I will be visiting 🏴 on Monday 09/01/22 will be traveling from Newcastle making Glasgow my 3rd stop of the trip.
Now apart from that I would like to say keep up the work with the RUclips videos.
Happy New Year mate! Your channel is one of our favourites and we watch every video! Can't wait to see your trip up to Scotland, we wish you well and hope you have a brilliant 2023!
Brilliant! What a cool New Years Eve celebration/tradition! Happy new year!
Ok, I’m an American who had never heard of fireballs. 🤷🏻♀️. But I love this! Kind of like smudging your house, but my feeling is those fireballs take no prisoners. I love this! You two are my favorites on RUclips. I can’t wait till my next visit to your incredible country! 💜🏴
We will welcome you with open arms!
I do hope you can visit soon :)
I am an Aberdonian in Canada, never heard of fireballs before! I left in 1955, I remember first footing!! I enjoyed this video, wish I could have been there. Happy New Year to all, especially the Cameron’s, Robb’s and McDonalds!🇬🇧🏴🇨🇦❤️🥳🙋♀️
Great video - we lived in Aberdeen for a year and wanted to see this - but alas COVID! Great to be able to see what we had heard so much about it. We've included your video in our blog post about Stonehaven and added a link to your RUclips page too. Thank you :)
I've never heard of this tradition. The older I get, the more I discover how much I didn't know. 😆
Happy New Year, Steve and Alicja! Wishing you both health and happiness in 2023!
I used to live in Stonehaven, and one year I took part in swinging the fireballs.
Happy New Year! Cheers to more travel and adventure to you both in 2023 🎉🥂
I've never heard of the Fireballs and found it interesting. As nice a way as any to ring in the new year. To you both a happy new year!
Thanks for watching! And a very Happy New Year to you!
Thanks for showing us the fireballs! I have missed this from the lovely Stonehaven. My family usually record it and share but it’s been a few years. Slainte 🥃🥃
Twice in two days Steve, 2023 - 2024 what a treat, I’m with Alicja I love pipe bands, my first visit to Scotland with my new husband in the sixties, we heard Amazing Grace in the distance far before we saw them, I rushed to the nearest Phone box to ring my sister Grace so she could listen to her name sake as they marched past way back in Nottingham ….. happy memories….awesome video Steve……I was worried about the sparks causing the swirling kilts to catch fire 🔥 but the participants looked well rehearsed:) at least now you don’t have to worry about driving home, thanks 🙏 for sharing these momentous events Steve & Alicja …. hope the New year is a good one for you 🤗🥳🥃
New Year in Norway was like a Firework factory exploding for an hour.
Thanks, Steve and Alicja 🎉 A nicely shot and edited video…you’re a real pro team! Happy 2024.
Steve and ...? Thanks for your good wishes and all the good wishes for you both too! What a nice tradition there in Stonehaven with their fireballs. An evening well spent!
Great to see this! Only yesterday, I read about this Stonehaven event on an Instagram post of an American Wicca group, who give daily information on various ancient traditions. So I am mightily pleased to see it happening in your video. Thanks and happy new year to you both! 🙃
How bizarre is that! Nice coincidence :) Happy New Year!
This is exciting to hear, Eve!! I hope you can make it here for a holiday one day.
You'd absolutely love it. There is a lot of magic here. It has a beautiful energy.
@@Elvenboadicea I hope so too! I am, in fact, a Glasgow lass, moved south when 18 years old, and now trying to find a way to come back, having traveled a lot in other countries and being tired of life down south. From watching Steve's wonderful videos, I realise there are so many beautiful places in Scotland that I never thought about visiting, including the east coast. Of course the magic of Stonehaven is near the top of a very long list. All the best for 2023 and beyond, Ally! .
Excellent, I woke up a wee bit groggy this morning and watched this. I never knew about this tradition, wow what a way to bring in the New Year. All the best laddie, to you and yer wonderful partner. Happy and prosperous 2023. And yes you can film in the dark, great vid.
Ahhhh, wonderful video! Love your comment about "the Swingers"! Happy New Year, thank you for bringing this to all of us to watch!
It's so much busier than it used to be. We went a couple of times around the millennium when we lived near Laurencekirk. It was easy to watch the ceremony and then stroll down to the harbour to watch them hurl the fireballs into the sea. A shame you didn't get to film the finale. Brings back happy memories though.
Hi Steve, I did Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh in 2011. It was so cool. Coming from Australia I’d not seen Xmas markets, so thought that was really cool. I joined the March from the mile up to the top of monument hill carrying a long burning candle. Just an awesome thing to do. Then attended a huge concert under the castle on NYE. The fireworks came off the castle. The best Hogmanay I’d experienced. Walked alone from there all the way down the Leith alone to where I was staying and felt very safe. Your so lucky to have those things available to you to enjoy. Regards Katelyn 🙋♀️
And a happy 2023 back atcha and all who marsh along here! 🤗
Great New Year’s Eve video! So nice to see everyone having a good time! Now I know what your fireball tradition is all about. We did a fireball tradition here in DeLand, Florida. We had some Canadian, cinnamon flavored Fireball Whiskey. It to will warm your spirit. Hope you guys have a safe and prosperous new year and we are so thankful for your videos!
Well done everyone looks great thanks.
Cheers Christopher! Everyone was amazing on the night, such a friendly atmosphere too!
Thankyou for sharing your new year with us all, and you did just fine with filming in the dark. All the best for 2023
Thanks Glenys! I'll let the camera take the credit :D Happy New Year!
Great Video Steve - So good to watch!! Happy New Year to you both, looking forward to more videos through 2023.
Thank you Steve for this video (and the others). I live in Laurencekirk and went to the fireballs a few years ago with my wife and her mother. I remember the sparks were a bit of a hazard for front row observers 😂. Afterwards there was a massive party in the middle of Stonehaven. 🥂🎻🎉
What a great video. I have been to Stonehaven many times. I was born in Montrose but live in England so this brings back such happy memories. The Scottish people really know how to celebrate a New Year. Happy New Year to you both. Keep well and safe. James.
Happy New Year mate! We're loving Montrose, pop back sometime! :)
Happy new year.2023🌠🎉🕊️
And to you Sean from us both!
A great way to see in the new year, wishing you and Alicja a wonderful '23, may it be all you hope for. Thanks for all the videos from the last year and I am looking forward to what you may bring this year, stay safe and cheers.
Thank you Steve and Alicja and Happy New Years to you both. I love seeing these "Scottish Heritage" events as it makes me love my Scottish ancestry all the more, having that blood in me from both my father's side with Calloway originating in, appropriately the Village of Alloway, and my mother (her maiden name was Paterson and her family is still in Aberdeenshire, the Inverness area and down in Dunbar in East Lothian. Thank you for providing us all with your travels and videos.
Cheers Raymond! All the best for 2023, Happy New Year! :)
When your missus says Bucks Fizz she's good at Making Your Mind Up for you lol
Brilliant video and an interesting insight into Stonehavens New Years Eve tradition. Here in East Devon there is a small market town called Ottery St Mary. Around 5th November each year they do the Ottery tar barrels. Very similar to the fire balls but they carry a tar filled beer barrel on their back and run through the town, the spectator's right in the thick of it. Flipping mental. If you are ever on an adventure down here, be something good to witness.
Thanks for showing the Fireballs to us all from so near.
A spectacular way to kick off the New Year.
Fantastic, Never knew that this happened despite living in the North East for many years. Don't know how they get away with swinging great balls of fire so close to people am surprised that the H and E people don't have heart attacks watching this. So glad that it happens though especially seeing so many folk having a great time. Thanks for showing us this and can I wish you both a very happy New Year.
The fireball swingers reminded me a bit of the Up Helly Aa celebration in Lerwick, Shetland. Significantly different from one another yet somehow seemingly related. And I'm with Alicja when it comes to bagpipers and pipe bands -- I love them! 👍
"No! To see the fireballs!" LOL🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I get used to it :D
Brilliant video as always Steve and so wonderful to see the lovely Alicija in this one as well. How the hell they get away with this with health and safety regs being what they are nowadays I'll never know but what a magnificent spectacle nonetheless....keep em coming you wonderful pair and here's to more vids of you both in 2023!
Goodness gracious great balls of fire!
Great to see the famous fireballs in action. I didn't realise it was such a fiercely local event to take part in but you need some stamina. So good of Alicja to come along and save you from starvation. Happy New Year to you both and hope you had that new year drink. Allan.
Allan, Alicja saved me once again :) Happy New Year!
Thank you for another great video. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2023 to you both from New Zealand!
Happy New Year to both of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your amazing videos, which saved me during the time, when I couldn't travel to Scotland myself 💛 This one got me pretty emotional, no idea why, but it caught me!
Ahh I'm glad to bring some emotion :) Wishing you the happiest of New Years from us both! Aw the best Lesley!
A Happy New Year to you both. I hope you had a 'wee' drink to warm you up back in Montrose. Keep the vids coming in 2023!!!
Haha I wish, in the end it was sitting up editing until 6am :D Ahhh the life of a RUclipsr...Happy New Year!
Hi, I lived in Martin Drive back in the 70's and moved to Aberdeen going into P6.
Thanks for the wee vid. :}
That seems more fun than our new years tradition, jumping in the sea together.
No need to worry about the quality of your videos. It's in vlog style, so they are all unique events that you film. When traveling light, you cannot expect to be perfectly set up for every situation and equipment doesn't always behave out in the real world. I get that it's frustrating when something doesn't turn out the way you wanted and you have to work around it in editing, but that is the name of the game. The quality of your videos keeps getting better and better on all fronts, from a technical point of view to the storytelling and editing. Great stuff, this definitely felt as close to being there as a video can.
Really kind words Johannes - thanks so much! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you both. Something different to say the least. May 2023 bring us more videos from both of you.
Cheers Anthony! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Steve, another great video, Stonehaven putting on a great show, maybe even rivalling Sydney 😀 I went there in the 70’s on BB Camps, we used to have fancy dress parades to the outdoor swimming pool for the midnight bathing
Steve and Alicja, another wonderful vid,...really appreciate the earnest attitude you continually display!
Happy new year to both of you. Looking forward to the journeys with you and madam in 2023. Thankyou both for all your efforts💖
Happy new year Bob from us both! Aw the best!
Luverly !…….happy NY23
Cheers mate! Happy New Year!
Absolutely, fascinating, I have never heard of this. I loved it! You both looked like you loved it too. I am going to do some research on the story of fire balls in Scotland.
That looked like hard bloody work,,, Well the Swingers
10/10 for the head warmer alone ❤
Great video Steve! I did not know of this tradition, but really enjoyed seeing it. Also loved the pipers with Christmas lights! Happy New Year to you and Alicja.
Miles from the New Year (which I last year watch in my hometown, living 10 km outside it), when I was in Inverness some decades ago I found the only pub in Inverness that was open on Sundays, have a good nose...
Thrilling and enthralling to see such fun. Haven't seen that level of excitement, since watching the Lewes fireworks, on November 5th.
Happy New sparkling year to you both ✨️
One word: Fantastic!😮
Brilliant guy's,
Wish i was there, I would have loved it.
It's nice to see the old traditions carrying on and not cancelled due to some of the silly health and safety rules.
Happy New Year, Steve and Alicja!!!! This was wonderful!!! I can't WAIT to visit Scotland!!!!
Happy new year Steve. Thanks for bringing this unique way of celebrating the new year in that part of the world. How fascinating to watch. Hope 2023 will be fruitful year for the two of you and that we finally get to see some content in 4K. Cheers.
Yay! Oh Woww. Thank you!
Happy New Year over there guys!!
Most impressed! Never seen anything like it!
Thanks so much, guys! Delightful!!!!
Cheers Marti!
💜👍💜👍💜 many thanks for the video... One day I hope see it for myself👍💜👍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 happy new year
Happy new year Duncan! Well worth the cold hands and feet if you ever get the chance :)
@@steve-marsh would love to retire in stonehaven
I'd love to retire there too!!
We started there hundreds of years ago. Right there!!
Happy New Year from Canada. Love your tradition. Much better than our Polar Bear Swim.
Great video Steve. What an amazing event … mind you I don’t fancy having to do the risk assessment for that !!! Happy New Year to you both 🎉😊
Just watch the video and we loved it! Thanks and Happy New Year from our family to yours!
Thanks for the Great videos last year Steve... not a duff in there!
🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Great wee video to bring in the New Year Steve, about time the TV companies took a lesson from you how to have a simple but brilliant way to see some captivating ways we have to celebrate the "out with the old, in with the new"
Happy new year! Thanks so much mate!
szczęśliwego nowego roku
And you both, bugger! miss Scotland, love your output
Haha sorry mate :D Happy New Year!
Well done for getting that video edited and up on your channel on New Years Day - dedication indeed, and Happy New Year!
Brilliant thank you! Had no idea about this tradition. Another fab video.
I think now I've watched most of your videos. I really enjoy not only the beautiful landscape but the laughter and the unpredictable "let's-just-see-what-happens". It's always fun to see the two of you and that's so great to have these times! Thanks a lot!
Happy new year 🎉❤everyone 🥰🥰🥰
Amazing!
Happy New Year to you and. Alicia. Keep up the travels.
Steve, can you tell me who’s version of Auld Lang Syne that was, thanks in advance.
Wow that that was great. Will definitely have to do New Years in Stonehaven. What a fun time. Happy 2023 to you and your fine lass.
And to you Tami! Aw the best for 2023!
Happy New Year to you and Alicja!
Thank you for all of the great videos you have posted.
I'm looking forward to your new content for 2023.
Cheers AJ! Happy new Year mate!
Thanks for a wonderful treat and Happy, happy New Years!!!