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

Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.

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.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

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!

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings