The Red Hot Highland Fling is a free of charge, family friendly - ticketed open air music celebration, counting down to welcome in the New Year 2023!

The event is one of a series of experiences presented by Highland Council’s Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group which is financially supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund.

Featuring Scottish supergroup - Mànran, local Highland folk rockers Torridon and local Highland ceilidh band Tweed. Host and Compere, comedian and broadcaster- Fred MacAulay.

Multi award-winning Scottish supergroup Mànran have been at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene for over a decade. Internationally recognised as one of the most iconic and respected Scottish bands on the road today, the seven-piece show no signs of slowing down as they continue to push boundaries and explore new musical and geographical territory, bringing their uplifting and unique live performances to stages across the world.
Having played in over 30 countries, including the USA, Asia and Australia (where they were awarded the accolade “International Artist of the Year” at the Australian Celtic Music Awards) this multifaceted musical powerhouse has gathered a loyal fanbase worldwide, due to their self-penned tunes performed on a mixture of traditional and modern instruments, outstanding songs in Gaelic and English and vibrant live performances. 
Mànran will headline the traditional family friendly middle spot.

Folk rock Highlanders Torridon have built up a reputation for rocking venues and festivals throughout Scotland, including Belladrum's Tartan Heart, Loopallu, and Mull Festivals. They have had huge performances at the Ironworks Inverness, Glasgow's O2 ACADEMY and Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree. Not only has their success seen their entertaining Folk/Rock scintillating performances stir up the nation in Scotland, the band have also had European success with events in Ukraine, Italy and most notably PARIS, France.
Torridon will take us through to the Bells and close the celebration at 12.30am

Tweed are a lively ceilidh band from Inverness and Speyside. The band has played throughout the UK and Europe, whilst having residencies in Aviemore - which has allowed them to flourish and build a great repertoire of entertaining material. Weaving together traditional ceilidh music with funk, ska beats and anything in between.
Tweed will kick of the live music entertainment and start the countdown celebrations.

Having presented the very funny and eventful MacAulay and Co. on BBC Radio Scotland for almost 18 years and with a string of tv appearances, Fred MacAulay's on air witticisms and on screen reputation are the product of years of experience on the live circuit, including a stint as the first ever-Scottish compere at the Comedy Store in London.

Doors open 7.30pm - show starts 8.30pm and closes 12.30am.  You must have a valid ticket to enter the Red Hot Highland Fling Arena. Attendees are requested to be in the arena by 9.30pm to validate your ticket.

Drivers are asked to use city centre car parks on the night as only Disabled Parking (for Blue Badge Holders) will be available at the site on the night. Spectators are reminded that there will be a bar and hot food available at the event and it is not permitted to bring your own food or drink into the arena. Security bag searches will be taking place on the night prior to admission.

Red Hot Highland Fling - Questions & Answers

Q) Is the event free?
A) Yes the event is free but you do need tickets to enter.

Q) Do I need a ticket?
A) Yes, this event does require a ticket for entry.

Q) How long does it last?
A) The Arena opens at 7.30pm, where there will be Food Vendors on Site and a licensed Bar.
The Show starts at 8.30pm until 12.30am on the 1^st January 2023.

Q) Can children attend the event?
A) Yes, this is a family event but there will be loud music and lots of people attending.

Q) If we leave early, can we return later to the concert?
A) No, once you leave the arena your ticket will be void.

Q) Can I just turn up on the night?
A) No, you must have a ticket to gain entry.

Q) What should I wear?
A) Please dress appropriately for the weather ensuring suitable footwear for uneven ground areas and warm clothing. This is an evening event so it will be dark and cold.

Q) When I get into the arena can I just wander anywhere?
A) Please stay in the areas marked for safe viewing and follow the instructions of the safety announcer and stewards on site.

Q) Can I bring a pushchair?
A) Yes, but there is limited space and it will be very busy with attendees on the night. You may be asked to store it safely. Follow the instructions of the stewards.

Q) How can I get there and where can I park?
A) Northern Meeting Park Arena, is situated to the rear of the Highland Council Headquarters and adjacent to Eden Court Theatre. The entrance gate is on Ardross Street and takes you through Northern Meeting Park into the Arena. We ask that you do not park in residential areas and that you remain mindful of local residents when attending the event. Public buses also service the area, please check Stagecoach for the most up to date timetable. Map Reference 57.47357598654203, -4.233508560991203. Post Code IV3 5NX

Q) Can I get something to eat or drink when I’m there?
A) There will be food vendors serving food and light refreshments from 7.30pm and a Bar selling alcohol. Please do not take your own food and drink into the arena. There will be bag searches on arrival and any alcohol or food will be confiscated. 

Q) What COVID related restrictions do I need to adhere to?
A) Face Masks/Coverings: Face coverings when indoors / outdoors are optional. Should you have any special requirements /mobility issues we would ask you to email info@highlifehighland.com in advance of travelling.

Q) Is there Disabled Parking?
A) Yes, there is accessible parking zoned at Highland Council Head Quarters on Glenurquhart Road, you can access the stadium via the disabled access gate. Follow the signs to the parking area for Disabled only. You must have a Blue Badge on display to access the parking area.

Q) I will be attending with a carer, does my carer need a ticket?
A) Yes, your carer needs a ticket. Tickets are free so there is no charge.

Q) Will you cancel the event?
A) High Life Highland reserve the right to cancel the event for reasons beyond our control including bad weather, in which case we will do everything we reasonably can to let you know.

Q) Can I bring my own Fireworks, like Sparklers to the event for the Bells.
A) No, please do not take any flammable objects, or liquids with you to the event. Stewards will be instructed to remove any such object if displayed.

Q) Can I smoke cigarettes or similar at the event?
A) Please do not light cigarettes or vape when in the viewing zone. Stewards will ask you to extinguish any objects that produce a naked flame. There will be a smoking zone in the arena.

Q) Can I consume my own alcohol at the event?
A) No, this event is licensed and Stewards have been instructed to remove any alcohol from attendees at the event that has not been purchased at the Arena Bar.

Q) Will there be Fireworks?
A) Yes, at Midnight for 5 minutes.

Q) Can I bring my pet to the event?
A) No, please keep your pets safe at home as there will be Fireworks to celebrate the New Year.

Q) Is there seating?
A) No, this is a standing event.

Q) Can I take my own chair?
A) No this is a standing event.

Q) Is there a disabled platform?
A) Yes, there is a disabled platform available.

Q) Will there be video and photography on the night?
A) Yes, we will have professional photographers and videographers taking images.

Q) Will there be flashing lights?
A) Yes, there are flashing and flickering lights that could trigger a photo-sensory episode.