Stonehaven is set to have the best Hogmanay party outside of Edinburgh after Scots rockers Simple Minds said they would join the celebrations.
The band will set Stonehaven alight as they headline the town’s Open Air in the Square event against the backdrop of the traditional fireball swinging parade.
That has already sparked a race to snap up hotels and tickets from across Europe and as far afield as the USA.
However, as a bonus to locals, 1,000 tickets are to be released at Stonehaven’s Feein’ Market on Saturday at the reduced price of £20.
After that, tickets will be £30 plus booking fee. A spokesman for the band said they were looking forward to bringing in the New Year with fans at the famed Hogmanay event.
The rockers scored a string of hit singles and are perhaps best known for their 1985 hit Don’t You (Forget About Me) from the soundtrack of the John Hughes film The Breakfast Club.
Last year’s Hogmanay concert, featuring Scottish favourites the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Blazin’ Fiddles, attracted a crowd of more than 5,000 revellers, despite horrendous flooding in the days before.
David Lawman, a member of the Stonehaven Festivals and Events Committee, said: “This is simply a dream come true for us.
“We are thrilled and delighted these music legends have agreed to come to Stonehaven for our big Hogmanay party. Last year when we revealed our plans, they said it couldn’t be done.
“But with a great deal of effort from our small but dedicated team of volunteers, we pulled it off in grand style, staging a Hogmanay party that was a complete sell-out and second only to Edinburgh.
“This year we will be bigger and better and once again help boost Stonehaven’s economy.
“Already two of the town’s hotels are fully booked and requests for tickets have been received from the USA and Europe and we hope to provide all age groups with a memorable night.”