Anticipation is building ahead of this year’s fireballs ceremony in Stonehaven.
More than 40 people are expected to take part in the popular Hogmanay event in which people swing fireballs around their head down the town’s High Street.
Spectator numbers were limited to 8,500 at last year’s event due to the effects of flooding in the town just before Christmas.
Stonehaven Fireballs Association vice-chairman Martin Sim said this year’s limit would be 10,500, but advised people to turn up early to guarantee a spot.
He said: “Last year the lights along beach walkway were out as a result of the flooding the previous week.
“The police and local authority wanted to limit the numbers just in case there was any type of incident and people lost their footing.
“The message again this year is don’t leave it too late to arrive or you may find the barriers have been closed.
“I would advise people to turn up at least 20 minutes before midnight, otherwise they may have to be turned away.
“Unfortunately, the geography of the town limits the number of exits and we have to be mindful of that in our planning.”
Stonehaven’s Open in the Square event in Market Street featuring Simple Minds is now sold out.
This follows last year’s successful event, when 5,000 people watched the Red Hot Chilli Pipers perform at the town’s Hogmanay party.
Prior to the fireballs getting under way there will be entertainment from street drummers and Stonehaven Pipe Band.
The organisers are still looking for marshals to help out on the night, although people are not able to take swing fireballs without being part of the fireballs association.
“We still prefer that they do a certain amount of goodwill work towards the organisation before they swing,” said Martin, who will be taking part for the 37th time. “As long as I’ve got two legs I’ll be taking part.”
If there is a repeat of the flooding experienced last year, the organisers will again assess whether it’s viable for the ceremony to take place.