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
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches
World-renowned distillers, Edinburgh Gin, has opened the doors to its brand new distillery at The Arches.
READ MORE
Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland
A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORE
Australian superstar Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles
Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles: playing Frank-N-Furter in Richard O'Brien's anarchic musical, The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name
Jingle Brew: Edinburgh-based independent beer firm Vault City now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked by Tesco in time for festive season.
READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.
READ MORE
Two Weeks Til Edinburghs Hogmanay First Footin
The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from December 29th to January 1st.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Win a year of free flights as Loganair invites Edinburgh residents to share the joy of reuniting
Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, is spreading the joy of Christmas as it gifts free flights for an entire year for reconnecting with loved ones.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Johnston Carmichael clothing collection is the right fit for social mobility charities
Johnston Carmichael has collected over one hundred of items of new and lightly worn pre-loved clothing for charities that help unemployed men and women back into work.
READ MORE
Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners steam home to victory at the ScotRail awards
Newtongrange train station has undergone a transformation this year, thanks to Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners, who scooped the Community Project of the Year title.
READ MORE
Scotch liqueur brand takes Christmas to new heights on Edinburgh rooftop bar
Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur brand Magnum, has launched a new winter wonderland experience on the rooftop bar of the iconic Cold Town House in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo plea for locals to refrain from letting off fireworks at Hogmanay
Residents near the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo are being asked not to set off fireworks this Hogmanay, following the death of a baby red panda last month.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Success for first ever Soundhouse Winter Festival
Music fans packed out the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh for Soundhouse’s first ever Winter Festival.
READ MORE
Christmas Day Dining at Duck & Waffle
Celebrate Christmas Day with friends and family at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh, where the magic of Narnia comes to life!
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
Experience a World of Winter Wonder at Dynamic Earth this December
Dynamic Earth invites families to step into a world of winter wonder, and to experience the magic of the holidays like never before.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Capital Theatres launches new partnership with The Secret Garden Distillery
Capital Theatres is delighted to celebrate the launch of a new bar partnership with The Secret Garden Distillery, a family-owned luxury distillery based in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Edinburgh with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Edinburgh is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Rediscovered Artemisia Gentileschi painting goes on display in Scotland for the first time
A rare surviving painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the greatest female artist of her generation, is on display for visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Cafe Partners with local Dog and Cat Home for Launch of New Club to Support Pets in Need
Sip & Bark, the beloved dog-friendly café in Edinburgh, has announced a new partnership with Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home through the launch of an exclusive membership club.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links