Hogmanay celebrations to return to beloved Moray venue for first time in half a century
by David Mackay, Press and Journal
Hogmanay celebrations will return to a treasured Moray town centre venue for the first time in half a century.
Findhorn Bay Arts is hosting the shindig at Forres Town Hall with a wealth of traditional music acts taking part.
The venue used to be the home of Hogmanay for the local community but has not hosted such a party since the 1960s.
Now revellers are being invited to dress up with “dazzle and sparkle” from the era of the last celebration held at the town hall in order to bring in 2019.
Kresanna Aigner, director of Findhorn Bay Arts, explained that the recent takeover of the venue by the Forres Area Community Trust from the council had inspired the decision to revive the events.
She said: “The hall is in the hands of the community now which has made it possible to open it again for Hogmanay.
“We had such a successful festival this year that it just felt like the right time to resurrect the parties at the town hall.
“We’ve got people from six to 86-years-old coming. It’s a real mix but we want to help bring people together.”
Tickets for the event are nearly sold out with proceeds being put towards supporting creative activities in the local area.
Crowds are also expected to gather at the foot of Dufftown’s clock tower to bring in the bells, while sharing drams and shortbread.
In Aberdeen, meanwhile, ABBA tribute band Thank You For The Music will be one of the top attractions.
They will be joined on stage on Schoolhill by local musicians Rachael Bisset and Scott Mellis and the Celtic rock band Gleadhraich, with the fun beginning at 9pm.
Marie Boulton, the city council’s culture spokeswoman, said: “There is always a great atmosphere in the city centre on Hogmanay.
“Our free street party is an excellent way to bring in the bells.”