On 25th November, The Dundee Hooley takes to the streets from 3–7.30pm to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. Dundee locals and visitors are being encouraged to come to City Square, where they can enjoy family-friendly activities including performances from Pyro Celtica, bubble fun with Poppy Bubbles and music live on stage. Street traders will be on hand to provide a warming portion of food and drinks.
From 5.30pm, a torchlit parade led by the Lord Provost will wind along Murraygate and into the High Street, congregating in City Square. Participation is strongly encouraged, with the public invited to carry the provided live torches, or to take part in a lantern section while community groups and performers from Thingumajig Theatre, Urban Moves and Brass Aye will provide stunning on-street spectacles.
In a change this year, the public are asked to pre-register to carry a provided live wax torch so keep an eye on dundee.com. Registration will open on 1st November. There will also be fun workshops where you can make your own lantern with Thingumajig in the days leading up to the parade.
Once the procession reaches City Square, the evening will finish with a fling, thanks to a ceilidh with music provided by Skyrie, which will see visitors jig and whirl to round off the evening's entertainment until 7.30pm.
Speaking of the event, Dundee Lord Provost Bill Campbell said: ‘‘The Dundee Hooley is a real celebration of everything which makes Dundee so special. With an emphasis on community, we want to invite people of all ages into the City Centre that weekend to take part in the event which is sure to be one to remember.”
Councillor Steven Rome, Convenor of Fair Work, Economic Growth, & Infrastructure, said: ‘’I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to enjoy a proper Dundee Hooley for another year. The streets will come alive with lights, colour, and music as we weave our way through the city centre, enjoying a wonderful celebration of the season.’
The Hooley celebration will mark the start of Dundee City Council’s Christmas celebrations, which are set to light up the city from mid-November. With stunning Dundee-inspired lights, in addition to the much-loved City Square installation, which will return with free, family-friendly events taking place throughout December in the lead up to the 25th, the city is set to be a hub of festive family fun.