Return of Edinburghs Hogmanay New Years Day events programme

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a packed programme of free events to start 2025, as the much-loved First Footin’ and Sprogmanay events return on New Year's Day!

Article Source: Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Last Updated: 13 November 2024 13:29

A spectacular programme of live music and performance will take place in venues throughout the capital’s city centre, along with new events in Portobello & Leith. Plus, as part of a special event ‘Come Away In’, renowned folk artist Karine Polwart is calling out for 200 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances on New Year’s Day.

First Footin’ invites audiences to explore the historic city, discovering an eclectic range of live music in outstanding venues, embracing Hogmanay traditions of friendship, love, and resolution, not forgetting some delicious food and drink along the way.

First Footin’ is created and produced by Unique Assembly as part of the 4-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund through Creative Scotland, and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.

Award-winning musician and composer Aidan O’Rourke has co-curated the First Footin’ line-up with a programme of live music, performance and collaborations from the world of folk, indie, jazz, classical, dance and hip-hop and much more.

Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Karine Polwart will host a stunning performance to mark the turning-of-the-year with ‘Come Away In’, a commissioned project welcoming special guests musicians Lori Watson and Corrina Hewat, along with 200 community choir singers, celebrating crossing the threshold of the New Year in the embrace of massed voices and song. Alongside Choir Director Stephen Deazley,

Karine Polwart is inviting singers of all abilities to join the choir for the day, as music fans mark the New Year with a mass performance of song in the historic cathedral. No formal music skills are required, and parts will be simple and taught by ear – find out more information and register to be part of the ‘Come Away In’ community choir at edinburghshogmanay.com from 12 noon Thursday 14 November.

Karine Polwart said, “Singing in the New Year is such a massive communal tradition here in Scotland that opening the doors of St. Giles’ Cathedral to 200 community voices just seemed obvious. It’s a glorious space designed for song. I hope our invitation to 'Come Away In’ captures a spirit of hospitality, sanctuary, and togetherness - things that need looking after in these times.”

The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, said, “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way to kick start 2025 with fun for all ages and all interests.

“We’re delighted to again be supporting this year’s celebrations with £100,000 from our Festival Expo Fund. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved both at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.”

First Footin’ highlights include:

• Award-winning singer-songwriter Karine Polwart presents ‘Come Away In’ at St. Giles' Cathedral with a 200-strong community choir plus special guests Lori Watson and Corrina Hewat
• Participants can register to join the choir from 12noon Thursday 14 November at edinburghshogmanay.com – registration is free, and participants must be available for two rehearsals ahead of the event, and for the performance itself on New Year’s Day at St. Giles’ Cathedral
• Historic Greyfriars Kirk presents a feast of spectacular Scottish artists featuring Valtos; Skye natives Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald who have taken the Trad and Electronic music worlds by storm, along with artist and composer Kate Young, Edinburgh born singer Lewis McLaughlin, and on-line sensation NATI, who in 2022 amassed an incredible 2m followers.
• In a special collaboration with The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award and partners Stirling Council, First Footin’ welcomes a selection of 2024’s nominees to the live music trail, with Dead Pony, Broken Chanter, Spyres and Bee Asha performing at Virgin Hotel – Greyfriars Hall
• The Fruitmarket Gallery once again hosts an afternoon of classical music, with a diverse programme of solo and duo music for viola and cello, performed by acclaimed Canadian cellist Christian Elliott and Fiona Winning; Principal Violist of the Royal Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras
• Rising stars Grayling, EVYE and Zoe Graham perform as part of a programme of singer-songwriters at Virgin Hotel’s Eve
• Experimental folk duo Norman&Corrie will invite special guests including previous BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad Musician of the Year Amy Laurenson and Harry Gorski-Brown at the St. Andrew Square Spiegeltent
• Edinburgh duo Dowally and more to be announced at Edinburgh Christmas’ brand new venue The Coorie Inn on George Street
• New First Footin’ venue Leith Arches presents an afternoon of contemporary Scottish artists featuring Glaswegian jazz sensations Mama Terra, Edinburgh rock band Low Tide, and Loch Lomond singer-songwriter Liv Dawn.
• Plus, a New Year’s Day Club Night featuring Hayley Zalassi, Swatt Team and Disco T*ts
• Portobello Town Hall joins proceedings for the first time with a free Family Ceilidh throughout the afternoon, with Bella McNab’s Dance Band and community band Shunpike Social Club providing the dancing tunes
• Plus, BBC award-winning singer songwriter Mike McKenzie will be performing at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
• At night, Vitamin C Club transforms Portobello Town Hall for a night or rock’n’roll excess featuring The Vaselines, Sacred Paws, Django Django (DJ set) plus hosts Vic Galloway (BBC Radio Scotland)and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band)
• Plus an evening of revelry at the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer taking place in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs and bars
• And more to be announced…

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay producers and First Footin’ creators Unique Assembly said, “We’re thrilled to unveil another fantastic First Footin’ line-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay this year. New Year’s Day in the city has become a wonderful experience, welcoming audiences to shake-off the night afore and discover a wealth of talent from across Scotland and beyond. Inviting people to become part of the show with Karine Polwart’s community choir in St. Giles’, will be an incredible experience for all and the best start to 2025. Stay tuned for even more to be announced!”

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor 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. I’m excited to see Edinburgh continue to shine as the place to welcome in the New Year!”

First Footin’ takes place at venues throughout the city from 2pm – 8pm on New Year’s Day. A full line-up of artists and venues along with First Footin’ trail map will be released in early December, for participants to plan their fun-packed New Year’s Day.

Celebrations for families and young revellers run throughout New Year’s Day with the return of the hugely popular Sprogmanay in collaboration with the National Museum of Scotland. Enjoy lively performances and activities for all the family with a vibrant free programme including; music performances from Unicorn Dance Party arts and crafts, and this year a special street theatre performance from international performers Close Act, will see illuminated ‘I-Puppets’ running, jumping and even flying amongst the crowds.

Dance the day away at the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh, this year hosted by the incredible Fruin Ceilidh Band at Assembly Roxy, and at a new event at Portobello Town Hall, presenting ceilidh dancing with Bella McNab’s Dance Band and community street band Shunpike Social Club with some Afrobeat, Brazilian and Cuban big band flair. These fun family events are the perfect chance to embrace traditions and introduce kids to classic ceilidh dancing for the first time with an expert caller on hand to ensure everyone of all ability can join in. Running all afternoon, families are invited to stay for the afternoon or drop in and out of sessions to catch their breath!

Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail round off four days of world-class celebrations in Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund through Creative Scotland.

Celebrations begin on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession, followed by the Night Afore Disco Party and Night Afore Concert on 30 December. On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels and its all-night ceilidh makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 55,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party featuring Hot Dub Time Machine, BBC Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free, Peatbog Faeries, Valtos and much more. The iconic Concert in the Gardens Hogmanay show this year will welcome Texas for a 35th anniversary greatest hits show joined by special guest Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie.

Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 4-day celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Image: First Footin' Launch
Image credit: Andy Catlin

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

Latest Edinburgh News

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.