Edinburghs Hogmanay expands to Portobello and Leith with live music programme

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed a stellar line-up of live music events taking place across Scotland’s capital throughout 2024/2025’s New Year festivities.

Article Source: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Last Updated: 21 October 2024 12:00

An eclectic programme of events presents indie rock legends, contemporary Scottish bands and DJ’s, alongside classical recitals and foot stompin’ ceilidh chaos.

Events will take place from 30 December until New Year’s Day, within historic landmark buildings such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the capital’s famous Assembly Rooms, and for the first time, expanding outwith the city centre to Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches with a veritable feast of live music on offer for fans.

Tickets for all events are on sale from 12noon Monday 21 October at www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s own Idlewild will headline a very special Night Afore Concert at the Assembly Rooms on Monday 30 December. The indie-rock legends formed in Edinburgh back in 1995 and with nine acclaimed albums to their name, the show promises a set of anthemic classics as the band enter their 30th anniversary year as a mainstay of Scottish music. Frontman Roddy Woomble will lead the line-up in a set which will showcase why they are one of Scotland’s very best exports, joined by special guests to be announced.

Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble said, “We’re excited to be joining the Hogmanay celebrations in the band’s home of Edinburgh & getting the party started early!”

For the first time, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will host live music events outside the city centre, branching out to Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches on 1 January, welcoming in the New Year with some outstanding live music.

On New Year’s Day, take a trip to the seaside, where Edinburgh’s Hogmanay keeps the party going with a welcome boost of VITAMIN C at Portobello Town Hall. The Vitamin C club night hosted by Vic Galloway (BBC Radio Scotland) and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), will kick-start 2025 with a night of rock’n’roll, cosmic disco, soul and everything in between, including full band live sets from alt-rock legends The Vaselines, the infectious indie-pop rhythms of Glasgow’s Sacred Paws, and a night of dancefloor classics with DJ sets from Django Django’s Dave Maclean, and Vic Galloway & Andy Wake themselves.

DJ & Vitamin C host Vic Galloway said, "Andy and I have been spinning the 'platters that matter' and hosting our VITAMIN C nights since the start of 2023, but it's a real thrill for us to put on our biggest night yet in Porty Town Hall as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay. It's a brilliant venue and promises to be the very best way to start 2025, with alternative legends The Vaselines headlining, joyous support from Sacred Paws, and a party DJ set from Django Django. Shake off the night before, and indeed the year before, with a proper Porty knees-up and some fun, festival vibes by the sea. See you down the front!”

Eugene Kelly, The Vaselines said, “The Vaselines are chuffed and excited to be starting 2025 with a gig as part of the Vitamin C Club at the fantastic Portobello Town Hall. It'll be our first visit to Portobello and to play in such a beautiful venue which has become beacon for local arts and culture will be a New Year's Day thrill. See you on the beach!”

A free Family Ceilidh takes place in Portobello Town Hall throughout the afternoon, with Bella McNab’s Dance Band providing the dancing tunes, and a special performance from Edinburgh community Street Band collective Oi Musica!

Leith Arches will host a New Year’s Day Club Night for those looking to continue the party into the wee hours, with Scottish DJ Hayley Zalassi set to headline, joined by an all-female line-up featuring SWATT Team and Disco T*ts. Glasgow based DJ and Producer, Hayley Zalassi will bring her love of all things House to the Arches, with a euphoric set guaranteed to have music fans dancing their way into 2025, with special guest sets from Edinburgh’s own SWATT Team and local duo Disco Tits. A New Year’s Day to remember at the Arches, for those with a shared love of house and old skool tunes!

Following a sell-out event in 2023, the New Year’s Revels returns to the Assembly Rooms, this time with a ‘Maximum Ceilidh Edition’, ensuring partygoers bring in the bells in style on Tuesday 31 December. With more live ceilidh bands than ever before across two dancefloors, guests can birl’ through the bells straight into 2025 with high-energy tunes all night long from Jimi Shandrix Experience, Bella McNab’s Dance Band, Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut and Bodhran Bodhran.

The Bairns New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms makes sure that little ones don’t miss out on the Hogmanay fun, with an afternoon event of ceilidh dancing and live music for all the family. Expert callers make sure that everyone can learn some moves and join in the fun.

Plus, for a festive yet tranquil way to begin the New Year, the Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral will once again host a very special evening, as the St. Giles' Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St. Giles' Camerata leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a stunning array of talented young soloists. This year’s concert on Tuesday 31 December will mark the concluding three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Bach at his most exuberant in a stunning, atmospheric setting, as the beloved Cathedral celebrates its 900th anniversary.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said, "Edinburgh's Hogmanay is once again set to be a spectacular celebration, with events taking place across the city from St. Giles’ Cathedral and Assembly Rooms to Leith Arches and Portobello Town Hall. This diverse programme promises to be an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike, featuring live music, ceilidh dancing, and breathtaking views of the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. I’m excited to see Edinburgh continue to shine as the place to welcome in the New Year!”

Today’s additions join an already vibrant music line-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with Texas and Callum Beattie in a Scottish spectacle at Concert in the Gardens for the city’s iconic Midnight Moment, plus Hot Dub Time Machine will get the party started at the Night Afore Disco Party on 30 December. 45,000 revellers are set to ring in the New Year in the city centre, enjoying a carnival atmosphere featuring funfair rides, street theatre and delicious food and drink.

Plus, on New Year’s Day itself, the return of the First Footin’ culture trail and Sprogmanay will see the very first music gigs of 2025 in a packed programme of free music and events with line-ups to be announced early November.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.

Image: Idlewild
Image credit: Donald Milne

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

FIRST LOOK at Donny Osmond in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

First look at production shots for the acclaimed London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, featuring Donny Osmond as Pharoah.

New Co op store launches in Shawfair Park

The Co-op’s newest store launched today (6th December) in Shawfair Park, Edinburgh.

Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes endangered Asiatic lioness

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed eight-year-old Asiatic lioness, Bindee, from Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse in France.

Forever Edinburgh has today announced a new charity drive for Edinburgh residents

This will see Forever Edinburgh collaborate with local tourism businesses to provide hundreds of free experiences to those most in need this festive season and beyond.

Edinburgh hotel gives 6750 plastic bottles a stylish second life

Ten Hill Place Hotel has recently unveiled new staff uniforms designed by Gresham Blake and made from recycled plastic bottles, alongside achieving 16th consecutive Green Tourism Gold Award.

Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.

TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.

A sensational year of art for everyone at National Galleries of Scotland in 2025

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2025.

Warninks Advocaat brings a festive Christmas Lights recycling service to Edinburgh

The Warninks ‘swap and recycle’ initiative is a FREE bookable service which delivers a Warninks Light Technician to your door, who will deliver new Christmas lights and recycle the old.

Thistle Be a Merry Little Christmas

For one day only, on Saturday 7th December, Laura Bond and Thistle Street’s independent businesses will unite to offer exclusive holiday deals!

December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From a Christmas Cabaret to a Hogmanay Ball, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's festive events this December!

Mindroom Celebrates Success Of Volunteering Scheme

Edinburgh Based Neurodiversity Charity Celebrates the Impact of its Vital Volunteer Programme ahead of International Volunteers Day (December 5).

Fort Kinnaird and Cyrenians call on local community to help spread festive cheer

Fort Kinnaird has teamed up with Cyrenians to launch a ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, as part of the charity’s winter appeal to combat social isolation.

Cafe Andaluz Stockbridge reaches meatball milestone as it celebrates first birthday with Edinburgh Accies

Café Andaluz Stockbridge celebrated one year at Raeburn Place by inviting the entire Accies team to tuck into its most popular dish, Albondigas (Spanish meatballs).

Coca Cola Christmas Truck Tour is heading to Edinburgh tomorrow

Holidays Are Coming! The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour, will be parking up on Saturday 30th November, at Fort Kinnard, Edinburgh.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!

Festive window display pays tribute to Edinburgh charity hero

In a celebration of community spirit and festive joy, Edinburgh’s very own local legend, Shikha Ahuja, is being honoured in a vibrant Christmas window display at Pret A Manger on North Bridge.

Palace of Holyroodhouse lit up for Christmas

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will now see the State Apartments decorated with magnificent Christmas displays.

Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Has The Festive Season All Wrapped Up

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Has The Festive Season All Wrapped Up as it Successfully defends “World’s Leading Spirit Experience” Crown.

Bonnie & Wild Food Hall unveils its bumper Christmas offer

Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild has unwrapped its bumper Christmas offer with a festive feast of seasonal specials, daily drinks tastings, extended trading hours, and even a Boxing Day ceilidh.

We have our own Moo Deng

Haggis, the newest pygmy hippo taking the internet by storm, can now be spotted in her habitat at Edinburgh Zoo alongside her mum Gloria.

Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.

Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!

Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.

Get messy this Christmas with the award winning burger restaurant, El Perro Negro

The holidays are here, and El Perro Negro is bringing the festive spirit in true mouthwatering style!

Fun for all ages with Capital Theatres Festive Season

Capital Theatres aims to share the magic and wonder of the festive season with everyone with Cinderella, The Gift, Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker and a Care Homes Tour of Jack in the Box.