Tomorrow night, Saturday 13 September, the Forth Road Bridge will be alight with fire from 2014 torchbearers and then at 10.06pm the fireworks display will start. The significance of that number is that the bridge is 1006 metres long and this will be the first time the bridge has been used for such a grand display.
A kilometre-long ‘River of Fire’, created by 2,014 torchbearers and a spectacular pyrotechnic display comprising of over 12,000 individual fireworks, will bring the ten-day long celebration of the Forth Road Bridge 50th Anniversary to a fitting close.
Part of Homecoming Scotland 2014, tomorrow marks the conclusion of the Forth Bridges Festival, commemorating 50 years since the famous crossing opened to the public in 1964.
Event organisers are inviting members of the public to be part of history by becoming one of just 2,014 torchbearers to join a stunning Torchlight Procession travelling from South Queensferry northwards to Fife.
It will be led by dignitaries including: Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland; Councillor Lesley Hinds, Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) Convenor, and Chief Engineer & Bridgemaster Barry Colford. Headed by a team of Vikings from Up Helly Aa and the three pipe bands.
The celebrations will also include a unique Bridge Party, packed with tasty food and drink and live entertainment in the form of legendary Scottish rockers Big Country and a giant outdoor ceilidh – the ‘Forth Fling’.
The event is produced by Edinburgh based Unique Events, along with firework partners Titanium, the team behind the London 2012 Olympics ceremonies, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks and most recently the Opening of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games pyrotechnic display.
However, organisers are reminding spectators that no local parking will be available on the night. A free shuttle bus is provided for ticket-holders from a choice of locations both north and south of the Forth.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “This spectacular finale promises to be an unmissable highlight in the Homecoming calendar and also a fitting celebration of one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. The year of homecoming has been a huge success and a chance to showcase our culture, history and heritage with events up and down the country.
“The Torchlight Procession and Bridge Party will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a chance to be part of a special chapter in the Forth Bridges’ history, and a truly awe-inspiring end to what has been an incredible ten days of celebrations. I, for one, would not miss this party for the world!“.
Only a limited number of tickets, priced £23 plus booking fee, are available to take part in both the Torchlight Procession and the Bridge Party. Additional tickets are also available for the Bridge Party only priced £13.50 plus booking fee.
For safety reasons the Torchlight Procession will be restricted to over-16s only. The Bridge Party will be open to all ages but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
The Forth Road Bridge will close to all traffic in both directions at 10pm for a maximum of 30 minutes. Temporary traffic restrictions will also be in force in both North and South Queensferry in order to minimise disruption and ensure public safety
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Forth Road Bridge website www.forthroadbridge.org and the Forth Bridges Festival website www.forthbridgesfestival.com
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