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Wednesday, 07 June Hooley-Parade-Information
Take part in The Dundee Hooley Parade on Saturday 26 Nov from 4.45pm
Come and be a part of The Hooley’s torchlight procession by carrying a torch within the parade.
Leaving from the High School of Dundee at 5.15pm, the torchlight procession and parade will make its way around the city centre and end with a finale in City Square at approximately 5.40pm.
The Parade
The parade celebrates St Andrew’s values of kindness and welcoming. Open to all to participate, it will have the Dundee High School Pipe Band up front with the Lord Provost leading; followed by the public with lit torches. We’ll then enjoy a performance section led by the beautiful Thingumagig Theatre’s Ghost Caribou, Cirque Bijous’ Umbrella Project with dancing umbrellas and Dundee’s very own Urban Moves dance company, ending with a Brass, Aye? brass band finale.
Torchlight Procession
The torchlight procession is free to take part. Torches will be handed out on a first come first serve basis, until we have run out (there are a limited number of torches available). You need to be over 16 years old to carry a lit torch, please bring your photo ID with you*. No pre-booking required, just turn up to the High School playground on Euclid St, Dundee, DD1 1HU from 4.30pm and make your way to the registration desk.
Registration
You may need to wait in a short queue whilst we register people. You will be asked for your ID (if necessary) and given a short Safety Note to read ahead of being given an unlit torch. Staff will be on hand to read through the Safety Note and answer any questions you may have. You will then be asked to join the torchlight section of the parade.
Lighting your torch
You will be asked to light your torch by a member of staff. Torches are lit from a brazier fire in a designated area of the playground. The top of the torch is placed into the brazier fire until it is lit. You will then be asked to return to your allocated spot in the parade. Please be mindful of others around you.
Wax – caution!
Please do not wear your best clothes/jacket whilst taking part in the torchlight procession. The torches are long candles, and although they have a hand guard ring at the bottom, wax from the torch can drip onto you or others. Please be aware of where you are holding and position your torch and allow others plenty space to enjoy the parade. Organisers will not be held responsible for wax damage to personal items.
We are excited for you to take part and have listed some additional FAQs below. Thank you.
FAQs
Is there an age restriction to take part in the parade?
You can be any age to walk in the parade. Persons holding a lit torch must be over 16 years old.
How old do I need to be to hold a lit torch in the parade?
*You must be over the age of 16 years old to carry a lit torch. Our staff may ask to see your ID for confirmation of this. Acceptable forms of ID are;
• passport (UK or international; unexpired)
• photo driving licences or provisional driving licence (UK or EU; unexpired)
• proof of age cards with a PASS logo, such as, a CitizenCard or Young Scot card
• EU national identity card (unexpired)
What clothing should I wear as part of the torchlight procession?
It is a November evening so please dress appropriately for the weather. There are no specific outfits you are required to wear. Be mindful when holding a torch of where the wax drips and avoid it getting onto yours or other people’s clothing.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs, fire and noisy parades are not a good combination, please leave your dogs safely at home.
Can I take my kids/baby to the torchlight procession?
Yes, this is a family-friendly torchlight procession and parade. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, 18 yr+. The parade route is mainly flat, along roads and pavements which can accommodate pushchairs and wheelchairs.
What time do I need to be at the High School of Dundee playground on Euclid St,DD1 1HU?
Please arrive between 4.30pm and 4.45pm to allow time for registration and lighting your torch.
What time does the parade set off from the High School playground?
5.15pm
Is the event FREE to take part in?
Yes, all activities and entertainment at The Dundee Hooley is free. Food and drink items are at a cost.
What if I get into difficulty?
If you get into difficultly or you need to stop carrying your torch, please talk to a parade steward who will be nearby in a hi-viz jacket. They will take the torch from you and extinguish it at one of the water points which are located all along the route.
What is the route taken by the parade?
What happens at the end?
The parade will enter city square and you will walk right to the back towards the Caird Hall. At the back corner you will extinguish your torch in the water bins provided. Staff will be available to direct you. Stewards will then direct you around to the main centre of City Square to join the crowd for the finale performance, and to join Ceilidh fun!
