1-Dec-2010

First week in various towns and villages

Norwegian Lights, Christmas Tree Lightings

Locals gather to see the lighting-up of a magnificent Christmas tree outside St Magnus Cathedral gifted by Orkney’s twinned area of Norway, Hordaland, Other tree lightings throughout the week include Stromness, Westray, Dounby, St Margaret’s Hope and Finstown with gatherings around their trees.

25-Dec-2010

The Ba’

Traditional street rugby, played by the Uppies and Doonies with a much prized locally made leather Ba’ (ball). The Ba’ is thrown up outside St.Magnus Cathedral and the game ranges through the town. The Ba’ starts on Broad Street with the boys game beginning at 1030 and the men’s at 1300

bagame.com

31-Dec-2010

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Crowds gather in Kirkwall and Stromness before ‘the bells’ at midnight. The clock of St. Magnus Cathedral on the Kirk Green, and the ships’ whistles in Stomness Harbour let us know when to raise our glasses, and to go ‘First Footing’ to bring in the New Year in traditional style.