First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.

Article Source: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Last Updated: 5 November 2025 9:14

5th November - The countdown to 2026 has begun, as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, presenting another packed line-up of free and ticketed events in venues across the city. Michael Pedersen, Edinburgh’s Makar, will host an evening of music and discussion to kickstart 2026 with guests including: Shirley Manson, Nicola Sturgeon and Norman Blake, whilst the First Footin’ music line-up welcomes the likes of Tinderbox Orchestra, James Emmanuel, Kathryn Joseph, Rachel Sermanni and more.

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, First Footin’ transform some of Edinburgh’s much-loved venues and attractions with a showcase of artists from across Scotland and beyond, inviting audiences to discover new music and experiences on 1 January.

The New Year's Day events programme is a spectacular finale to the four-days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, which is created and produced by Edinburgh’s Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcoming local residents and visitors from across the globe to come together and celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a showcase of Scottish music and tradition.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said, “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way for people of all ages and interests to ring in the New Year.

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.

“The Scottish Government is therefore proud to continue our support with £180,000 for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay from our Festival Expo Fund, which aims to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.”

An annual highlight, First Footin’ in St.Giles’ Cathedral will this year become a carnival of sound and colour, with Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra bringing together rappers and singers with soaring strings and thundering bass and drums. Tinderbox Orchestra will host a selection of Scotland’s finest musicians throughout New Year’s Day as they are joined by award-winning special guests James Emmanual, Kathryn Joseph and Rachel Sermanni. The sessions will run from 2pm – 6pm, inviting audiences to welcome in the New Year with magnificent performances from some of the country’s most talented musicians in the atmospheric setting of St.Giles’.

Tinderbox Orchestra said, “We are over the moon to be part of the First Footin' programme this year alongside so many other wonderful acts. The opportunity to take over St Giles’ and share our music and showcase brand new arrangements with some of Scotland’s best loved artists is incredibly exciting for us and we cannot wait!”

The First Footin’ music trail also welcomes a collaboration from Edinburgh’s Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddle-player and composer Aidan O’Rourke uniting in New College’s Rainy Hall, for a spellbinding meeting of classical music and Scottish folk. Award-winning Dundee singer-songwriter Theo Bleak will be performing in Virgin Hotel’s Eve, along with other special guests to be announced.

In the evening, the music continues with the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer, as live events come to life throughout the Grassmarket and New Town bars, featuring a feast of music from foot-stomping trad artists from across Scotland to be announced.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay draws to a close with Scottish literary and cultural icons in Portobello Town Hall as Muckle Be The Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond welcomes one of Scotland’s most iconic musicians Shirley Manson and Edinburgh’s Makar Michael Pedersen at their cultural salon.

Together, the duo will look back on their favourite moments of 2025, in art and friendship, joined by very special guests - former First Minister and author Nicola Sturgeon, plus live music from Teenage Fanclub frontman Norman Blake. Audiences can expect lively discussion, live music, reading and more at this one-off event reminiscing on cultural highlights of 2025 whilst kickstarting 2026 with some of Scotland’s most iconic voices, as well as a special pop-up bookshop from local store The Portobello Bookshop.

Michael Pedersen said, “'I can think of no more glorious a way to start the year than in the presence of Edinburgh’s primo cultural icon / all round extraordinary human / cherished friend, Shirley Manson. And what an epic year Shirley and Garbage have had – they delivered my album of 2025, and she’s my person of the year. Shirley also happens to be one of my favourite people to talk about books and art and life with – we’ll be brimming over with vocal zest. To be joined by one of the world’s finest songwriters, Norman Blake, and Scotland’s boldest new bestselling author, Nicola Sturgeon, is a level of dreamy beyond. Did I mention I went to high school ceilidhs in this town hall? What a quest to get here and return with reflections on my debut novel and first year as Edinburgh's Makar. How's about that for a first footing firework! Be warned: I'll be swooning at them aw.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said, “Edinburgh has always been a city that knows how to celebrate, and there’s no time of year that shows it better than Hogmanay.

“We’re welcoming 2026 with the return of our much-loved First Footin’ – a fantastic showcase of Scotland’s talent with performances taking place in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces.

“I’m delighted to welcome this year’s programme and encourage everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, to come along and start the year on a high.”

With even more First Footin’ performances set to be announced, music fans can spend New Year’s Day discovering Scotland’s most exciting rising stars and familiar faces in some of the city’s most atmospheric settings – a celebration of music and friendship as audiences cross the threshold into a New Year.

Tickets for all events including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel are on-sale now via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Image: Tinderbox Orchestra

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

Latest Edinburgh News

RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience

FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.

Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas

This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.

Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide

Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week

Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Customers queue for 18 hours at Popeyes Fort Kinnaird

Today, Popeyes® UK, home of the famous Louisiana Chicken, opened its Fort Kinnaird restaurant in Newcraighall, with over 100 people in the queue for launch day.

Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories

Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.

National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses

Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.

St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light

Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.

Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.

Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead

This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.

Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox

Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.

Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge

THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.

Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal

Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu

Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.

Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season

A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme

With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day

More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.

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

First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings