Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.
Article Source: Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Last Updated: 28 November 2025 8:38
28 November 2025:
The announcement finalises a vibrant citywide celebration on 1 January, with homegrown talent and visiting artists transforming the Capital into a free, open-air music trail.
For the first time, Scottish electronic-trad sensations Valtos will host a musical and cultural exchange with acclaimed Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte at Greyfriars Kirk, as part of a new international partnership between Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Fair Saturday Foundation, supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland. This new partnership with Fair Saturday Foundation welcomes the first international artists to perform as part of the First Footin’ programme, and provides a platform to raise the profile of Scottish artists to international audiences.
The new collaboration celebrates the creative ties between Scotland and the Basque Country – two regions with strong cultural identities and deep musical traditions. The partnership began this autumn, when Valtos performed in Bilbao at the Fair Saturday Foundation’s Ura Bere Bidean festival at Bizkaia Arena on 24–25 October. They opened each night of the event, performing to sold out audiences of over 20,000 across both dates.
On New Year’s Day, Valtos will host an afternoon of spectacular live music and collaboration at Greyfriars Kirk from 2pm - 6pm, welcoming all three Basque artists to the stage. Music fans can enjoy the meeting of two rich musical cultures within one of Edinburgh’s most historic venues.
Maren brings a blend of minimalism, psychedelia and roots influences, using the universal language of music to connect with audiences of all backgrounds. She will perform alongside Navarre-born Olaia Inziarte, who fuses traditional and avant-garde sounds for her striking “dark pop” style. Rounding out the programme is acclaimed Basque musician Mikel Urdangarin, with a special performance marking 25 years of his influential career. Together, the artists are set to spotlight the richness of contemporary Basque music.
Martyn Macdonald of Valtos said, "We were absolutely delighted to be asked by Edinburgh's Hogmanay to return to Greyfriars Kirk for First Footin' on the 1st January 2026. The event was one of our highlights last year and we’re excited to be bringing the full band this time. It’s an iconic venue and to be able to share it with, and showcase it to, our new friends from Bilbao makes us extremely proud, and we hope they love Edinburgh as much as we do.”
Maren said, “I’m really excited to travel to Edinburgh to perform for the first time! It’s wonderful to connect our cultures through music, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with these amazing artists. I’m sure it will be a very special experience.”
Also announced today, and expanding the First Footin’ programme with both Scottish and international talent, are:
• Wide Days Presents brings a showcase of homegrown voices to Virgin Hotel’s Greyfriars Hall, featuring indie Edinburgh-born indie-folk duo Quiet Houses, three-piece alt-rock outfit Her Picture, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Goodnight Louisa and energetic Gourock six-piece Slix.
• Leith Arches welcomes a wave of soul and funk sounds as homegrown High Fade are set to deliver a groove-driven set, joined by Highlands singer-songwriter Tamzene, whose music blends soul, funk, R&B and reggae.
• Fruitmarket Gallery hosts an energetic ‘Day Rave’ led by electronic innovator and DJ Neil Landstrumm of legendary Edinburgh club night Pure, set within the immersive sculptural world of artist Jamie Cooper’s Levelling Up installation.
• Brand new venue Gilded Saloon is set to host an afternoon session from acclaimed Americana songwriter Cahalen Morrison and award-winning Australian folk duo Rain of Animals. The two acts will come together later in the day to perform a unique collaboration set.
• Also at Leith Arches, Scotstown Dance Band will bring their modern take on traditional folk to audiences in search of a Scottish party.
• The Scottish Cafe will set the stage for an acoustic performance from indie duo Logan’s Close.
• The elegant Eve Edinburgh at Virgin Hotel welcomes classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi to an already stunning line up of music from Justin Beverly and Theo Bleak
• At Portobello Town Hall, families can kick-start 2026 with a lively afternoon of ceilidhs led by The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, with free sessions running throughout the afternoon.
• Previously announced, St Giles’ Cathedral, will host a carnival of sound as Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra set up residence, joined by special guests Kathryn Joseph, James Emmanuel and Rachel Sermanni throughout the day. The orchestra’s explosive combination of rappers, singers, strings and thundering drums will fill the cathedral from 2–6pm, transforming the space into an unforgettable New Year’s Day celebration.
• A spellbinding collaboration between Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddler Aidan O’Rourke continues the party at New College’s Rainy Hall.
• Plus, the music continues into the evening with the First Footin’ Session with Cold Town Beer, a foot stompin’ programme of free traditional and contemporary live music in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs, to keep the party going into the night.
Made possible with funding from the Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, First Footin’ transforms some of Edinburgh’s most beloved venues on 1 January into a citywide celebration of music, words and community – with a line-up of free events inviting audiences to start the year with some of the country’s best musical talent.
Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, 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.”
Jordi Albareda, Founder & President of Fair Saturday Foundation said: “We are so proud to collaborate with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on this new cultural partnership, bringing a taste of the Basque Country to Edinburgh with some incredible artists performing alongside Valtos for the people of Scotland. The Basque Country has long had strong links to Scotland, and to further connect our passion for music and creativity at this world-famous festival is the beginning of something special.”
City of Edinburgh 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. I’m delighted to welcome Valtos and Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Intziarte to Edinburgh as new additions to our brilliant First Footin’ programme.
“With plenty of performances by Scottish and international artists in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces, this year’s First Footin’ programme is not one to miss.”
With performances spanning music, spoken word, and family events, First Footin’ 2026 invites audiences to cross the threshold into a new year surrounded by creativity, friendship, and shared celebration, from the streets of Grassmarket to the atmospheric spaces of St Giles’ and Greyfriars Kirk.
Tickets for all events, including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession, and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel, as well as further event information and times, are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Image: Maren
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Free beer for gingers over Burns Weekend at Wee Vault Taproom
An Edinburgh brewery is offering free beer to gingers this Burns Weekend to mark the annual celebration of national poet Robert Burns.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Missing portrait of poet Robert Burns is found after 220 years
A lost portrait of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, by the renowned artist Sir Henry Raeburn has been found after over 200 years.
READ MORE
Vue Edinburgh Omni welcomes a luxurious new seat
Film fans in Edinburgh can enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue's biggest and comfiest Ultra Lux seat!
READ MORE
Deer Park to screen a full year of live sport alongside its golf and leisure offering
As part of its wider leisure offer, Deer Park will screen a wide range of major sporting events, allowing guests to relax, socialise and enjoy some of the biggest moments in sport!
READ MORE
Award winning Edinburgh restaurant Eleanore will close at the end of January for refurbishment
Roberta Hall McCarron's award-winning restaurant Eleanore will close at the end of January for a refurbishment, reopening in March with a renewed focus on a warm, neighbourhood bistro.
READ MORE
An unforgettable celebration of Robert Burns on Calton Hill
Café Calton is welcoming guests to celebrate Scotland's national poet in one of the most distinctive and awe-inspiring spaces in the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh pub serves up ultimate Burns Night Stab a Haggis experience
An Edinburgh pub is adding a touch of drama to its Burns Night celebrations by serving up the ultimate 'Stab a Haggis' experience over the weekend of 23rd to 25th January.
READ MORE
Winter magic sought for West Lothian country parks
West Lothian Council is inviting commercial events operators to add some sparkle to the area's fantastic country parks this autumn and winter.
READ MORE
Stars start to roll in for Fringe By The Sea 2026
Fringe By The Sea - East Lothian's award-winning, independent multi-arts festival - is gearing up for another ambitious year, unveiling its first wave of shows!
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Pomelo to pop up at two restaurants this January, including a veganuary chef table experience
Jun Au, chef-owner of Edinburgh's award-winning Asian restaurant, Pomelo, will be holding pop-ups in two neighbourhood restaurants across the city - Argile in Marchmont and Norah in Newhaven.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
READ MORE
The Scottish Gallery Press Announces the publication of James Morrison: Under a Northern Sky
The Scottish Gallery announces the publication of James Morrison: Under a Northern Sky, celebrating the life, legacy, and extraordinary landscape career of one of Scotland's most admired painters.
READ MORE
World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins
Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!
READ MORE
The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue
There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.
READ MORE
BFFs over Boyfriends: Flight Club is the ultimate Galentines therapy
Flight Club is calling all those focusing on friends this Valentine's to round up their gang of guys or girls and celebrate platonic love with its Galentine's Brunch.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh partners with BLANK Running Club to launch healthy living set menu and January Breakfast Run
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh, located in the heart of St James Quarter, is teaming up with BLANK Running Club this January to inspire healthy living through food, movement and community.
READ MORE
Scotch malt whisky liqueur brand pours out support for Edinburgh Team GB curlers at Winter Olympics
The country's only Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur brand, Magnum, is throwing its support behind Edinburgh's Team GB men's curling team at this year's Winter Olympics!
READ MORE
The Cool Hand Cup is back!
Marston's is calling on punters to step up to the oche in over 500 pubs, to be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against champion Luke Humphries!
READ MORE
Viral Buckie Bomb beer returns after trending on Reddit across Scotland and Ireland
A cult Buckfast-inspired beer is making a comeback this January after fans demanded its return across Reddit.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Little Seedlings Club this February
Children will learn what compost is, the difference between green and brown waste, and what can and can't be composted at February's Little Seedlings Club from Dobbies'!
READ MORE
East Lothian Information Hub announce events for 2026
East Lothian Information Hubs are 'One Stop Shop' events, where members of the public can engage with multiple organisations face-to-face.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.
READ MORE
17 Edinburgh gyms open up to corporate fitness users in new city wide partnership
EGYM Hussle and Edinburgh Leisure unite to strengthen corporate fitness offering to help create a city 'where everyone is inspired to engage in physical activity'.
READ MORE
Edinburgh theatre redevelopment hits major milestone with funding secured from the Scottish Government to complete the main construction work
The King's Theatre has been awarded £2.5million from the Scottish Government, closing the funding gap for the main construction works needed to redevelop this much-loved Tollcross landmark.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links