Category: city centre

Björn Again to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Night Afore Disco Party

DANCING QUEENS BJÖRN AGAIN TO HEADLINE NIGHT AFORE DISCO PARTY & NEW YEAR’S REVELS RETURNS TO EDINBURGH’S NEW TOWN

 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers UniqueAssembly, who produce the festival on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, has released further details of this year’s 30th anniversary New Year’s celebration, with the news that ABBA tribute sensations Björn Again will headline the Night Afore Disco Party beneath Edinburgh Castle.

The New Year’s Revels also makes a triumphant return to the New Town Assembly Rooms.  

A set list of pop classics and disco hits will be the name of the game when Björn Again takes to the Princes Street Gardens stage at the Night Afore Disco Party on Saturday 30 December. With over 5,500 performances across 72 countries, it is a return to Scotland capital’s celebrations for the Australian ABBA show who first played Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in 2000/01.  

Björn Again will be supported by the original sing-along live band Massaoke, celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with the best hairbrush anthems down the decades, making sure that the audience is the star of the show. Along with breakfast show presenter and DJ Ewen Cameron from Greatest Hits Radio, Night Afore Disco Party promises a spectacular sing-a-long party for all the family. 

On returning to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Björn Again founding member Rod Stephen said: “I have toured the Björn Again show around the world since the late 1980s. There have been many shows with amazingly responsive audiences but I don’t think you can ever top an Edinburgh Hogmanay crowd.

“These guys are just on a whole different level. I can’t wait to see this again!” 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “It’s fantastic to see another great addition to this year’s already stellar lineup for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“I’m sure that Björn Again will make sure that there are no shortage of dancing queens when they take to the stage for the Night Afore Disco Party in Princes Street Gardens. 

“This year there is a new 4-day programme of events for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay at the Assembly Rooms which is really exciting. I’m really proud that we’re able to offer such an exciting and eclectic programme for our residents and visitors as part of our Winter Festivals celebrations.” 

The New Year cheer will spread across the city centre with a new four-day programme of indoor events in collaboration with the famous Assembly Rooms on George Street. The New Town venue will be transformed into the ‘Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club’, presenting a packed programme of live music, comedy, dancing and family events.

The return of New Year’s Revels on the 31st December, will see revellers birlin’ through the bells courtesy of Edinburgh’s finest ceilidh bands, live DJs, and festival favourites Massaoke providing a sing-a-long soundtrack and the Final Countdown to a spectacular Midnight Moment. 

A special Bairns New Year Revels event will take place earlier in the day, allowing young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations, with a family-friendly Massaoke and ceilidh extravaganza. 

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club events kick-off on Friday 29 December with Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, a live comedy show featuring some of the very best acts from the comedy circuit. 

The Night Afore Hoolie on Saturday 30 December, presents an evening of incredible live music with the award-winning Blue Rose Code, AKA Edinburgh born singer-songwriter Ross Wilson, with a selection of very special guests musicians and vocalists. And on New Year’s Day, the fun continues we a programme of free live music and ceilidh dancing presented as part of the First Footin’ culture trail, expanding the free culture trail further into the New Town. 

In the Old Town, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay present the ever-popular Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral on Sunday 31 December. This tranquil and spiritual experience in the gorgeous building in the heart of the Old Town is an annual sellout and this year’s concert heralds the arrival of 2024 and St. Giles’ Cathedral’s 900th Anniversary celebrations with the first three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio: Bach at his most exuberant.   

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners EventScotland, Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th Anniversary celebrations for Scotland. 

The Night Afore Disco Party with Björn Again and Massaoke will take place on Saturday 30 December, 18:30 – 22:00 in West Princes Street Gardens, Doors 17:30. 

At the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club, Ho-Ho-Hogmanay take place on Friday 29 December; Night Afore Hoolie Saturday 30 December; Bairns New Year Revels and New Year’s Revels Sunday 31 December, and free First Footin’ events on New Year’s Day all at the Assembly Rooms on George Street.  

The Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral takes place 18:30 – 20:00 on Sunday 31 December, Doors 18:00.  

Tickets and further information for these 30th Anniversary events will be available from 10:00 Friday 6 October. 

Tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com. 

Details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay free New Year’s Day activity including Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail will be announced in early November.

Edinburgh Dungeons launches most haunted Halloween show yet

The Home of Halloween, the Edinburgh Dungeons, is inviting guests to witness its new spine-tingling show, ‘The Death Cell’.

Running from 7th October until Halloween, the limited-time show transports guests back 100 years to October 1923, when the last prisoner was hung in Edinburgh’s notorious Calton Jail.

Traitors will immerse themselves in some of the most horrifying history as they delve into the dark and dreary past of the imposing fortress, with some of the worst conditions ever encountered in prisons. But beware, as the bodies of ten souls, which were left to rot under the foundations of the building, are still buried under the stones to this day!

Peasants can expect blood-curling frights, eerie occurrences and spectacular special effects as the stories of these fateful souls who haunt the prison walls play out in front of their eyes.

The Edinburgh Dungeons is renowned for taking guests deep into the depths of Edinburgh’s local history, and this spine-tingling show is set to provide another fearsome fright!

Simon Beattie, General Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeons, said: “The Dungeons are known as being the home of Halloween and this year is no different. We’re offering our most haunting show yet with The Death Cell.

“Traitors who dare to visit the Dungeons during Halloween will need nerves of steel as they are transported to Edinburgh’s eerie Calton Jail to face the wrath of the ten trapped souls.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming peasants to this devilishly dark experience, whether or not they make it out is yet to be decided!”

For further information and to book a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeons and watch The Death Cell, please visit the website here: 

https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/the-death-cell/

Combine harvester takes to Royal Mile to celebrate Scottish farmers

A Harvest Thanksgiving service, organised by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS,) took place on Sunday 1st October at St Giles Cathedral to give thanks for an abundant harvest, raise awareness about the importance of Scottish agriculture and pay tribute to the hardworking farmers who make it all possible.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables were also on display, generously provided by local farmers from East and West Lothian, and were donated to charities including The Salvation Army, Cyrenians and Social Bite. The combine and tractor were provided by RHASS Director Bill Gray of Prestonhall Farm.

The Harvest Thanksgiving was led by Rev Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral. 

She said: “We are very excited that we have been able to work closely together with the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland to highlight the vital role that Scottish farmers play in providing great quality food. 

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”  

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit rhass.org.uk  

Rosebank decision is an ‘act of vandalism’ say campaigners ahead of Saturday protests

++ Protests in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and across UK call on Rishi Sunak to reverse the decision to drill ++

Rishi Sunak is accused of ‘an act of vandalism’ in approving the huge Rosebank oil field, as campaigners protest around the country against the decision.

On Wednesday, the UK Government gave permission to Equinor, the Norwegian state-backed oil company, to develop Rosebank, which is the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field off the coast of Shetland.

Stop Rosebank protests will take place around the country, including in Edinburgh – where campaigners will rally outside the UK Government building – as well as Aberdeen, London, Sheffield and Cambridge. A protest is also happening today (Friday 29 September) outside the headquarters of Equinor in Oslo, Norway.

Edinburgh 16th September 2023. Campaigners march through Edinburgh to demand a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels as part of a Global Day of Action. Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Stop Rosebank campaigner, Lauren MacDonald said: “This is nothing but a destructive and pointless act of vandalism by Rishi Sunak. Rosebank will not increase energy security or do anything to lower fuel bills.

“Rosebank’s oil mostly belongs to Norway, and the majority will be shipped abroad and then sold back to us at market price. It will, though, exacerbate the climate crisis, which is behind the temperature rises, wildfires and flooding we’re seeing around the world.

“The oil and gas lobbyists and Conservative Party donors invested in fossil fuels attending this week’s party conference will no doubt be delighted with this decision. But handing over billions in tax breaks for oil for export makes zero sense to the millions of ordinary people in this country who can’t afford their heating bills.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns, Mary Church said: “The UK government’s reckless decision to approve Rosebank completely disregards all credible climate science and risks keeping households locked in to expensive, polluting fossil fuels for even longer.

“People can see and feel the mounting evidence of climate breakdown and they know that pouring fuel on the fire will only worsen the extreme weather we’re enduring.

“Stop Rosebank protests this weekend will show that we will keep fighting together for a liveable future, and for a fast and fair transition away from oil and gas. Our collective dream of a safe future for all is even more powerful than the destructive fossil fuel industry’s greed for profit.”

DETAILS OF THE PROTESTS

Protests will take place at the following locations and times on Saturday 30 September:

London: 12pm at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, 3 Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2AW. Protestors will march to the Norwegian Embassy, 25 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8QD.

Edinburgh: 4pm outside the Queen Elizabeth building at 1 Sibbald Walk in Edinburgh EH8 8FT. Rally and speeches outside the building

Aberdeen: 12.30pm at the North Sea Transition Authority, 1 Marischal Square, Aberdeen, AB10 1BL

Liverpool: 10.30am outside Barclays Bank, 48-50 Lord Street, Liverpool, L21TD

Sheffield: 2-4pm at the Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH

Huddersfield: 10.30-11.30am at St George’s Square, Outside railway station, Huddersfield, HD1 1JB

Todmorden: 1-2pm at Todmorden Town Hall, Bridge Street, Todmorden, OL14 5AQ
Cambridge: 12.30pm at Senate House, Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1SZ

Bristol: 1pm at College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR

Oxford: 12pm at Carfax Tower, Queen St, Oxford, OX1 1ET. Note: this protest is on Sunday 1 October

New Scottish galleries at the National to open tomorrow

The National Galleries of Scotland is delighted to announce that the stunning new Scottish galleries at the National will open to the public this Saturday (30 September 2023).

Ahead of the public opening local children joined National Galleries of Scotland Director General, Sir John Leighton, Chief Curator Patricia Allerston, Culture Minister, Angus Robertson, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, Caroline Clark to mark the special occasion in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The children were then among the first to explore the new galleries, before taking time to create their own art, right in the centre of the new spaces.

A free experience for everyone to enjoy, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, the new Scottish galleries at the National showcase the very best historic Scottish art. With 150 years of Scotland’s art to discover in the contemporary and fresh new spaces, visitors are sure to recognise some much-loved favourites as they travel through the galleries. 

Transforming the visitor experience and more than doubling the physical display space, 12 breathtaking galleries allow visitors to dive into dramatic landscapes, encounter iconic images and be wowed by art from 1800 to 1945.

Spectacular views over the city entice visitors to come in and discover the work of pioneering Scottish artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. 

The new Scottish galleries at the National will bring the nation’s artistic heritage to life – from much-loved Scottish Colourists as well as major works from the first half of the twentieth century to stellar works from the early 1800s onwards.

New ways of looking at Scotland’s natural and built environments will be on offer, with early photographs of Scotland’s capital city shown in the same spaces as grand paintings of majestic Highland landscapes, including works such as Landseer’s Monarch of the Glen.

Reimagined displays of drawings and sketches will celebrate artists such as Glasgow Style pioneer Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and Alloa-born David Allan, whose depictions of ‘Edinburgh Characters’ will allow visitors to get up close to street life in the Scottish capital in the late eighteenth century. 

The new galleries are easier to access than ever before, to ensure that the greatest number of people can discover the fascinating Scottish art on display. They have an accessible path in east Princes Street Gardens, new lifts, a partial changing place facility, accessible entrance, accessible toilets and a pram store. 

These fresh new spaces will showcase the nation’s magnificent collection of historic Scottish art in new and engaging ways. With a series of new trails, audio guides and events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

With even more to explore across the National, there will also be five new international hangs at the Mound level to enjoy, offering in total over 460 artworks to discover.

These galleries feature international superstars such as Poussin, Gauguin, Monet, Chardin and Canaletto. The new Scottish galleries at the National also includes three new areas specifically designed to display drawings and other fragile artworks, which will change regularly throughout the year.  

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “With this project we set out to transform the experience of visiting the National and to show the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art with real pride and ambition.

“With the new Scottish galleries at the National, we have achieved these aims and more. The gallery is more accessible than ever before and there is a stunning new display of 150 years of Scottish art in all its richness and depth. From this Saturday, everyone is welcome to discover a brilliant new experience, free, in the heart of our nation’s capital.”  

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The National Galleries of Scotland has the world’s finest collection of Scottish Art and I’m delighted that the new galleries will now have space to showcase this to a national and international audience.

“We have supported this redevelopment project from the start with a significant contribution of £15.25 million and it’s wonderful to see the new galleries open, allowing everyone to enjoy them.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “National Galleries of Scotland have created a truly world-class facility showcasing Scotland’s distinctive and internationally important artistic heritage.

“This iconic building at the heart of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site is safeguarded for the future, creating a focus for our cultural and economic renewal. 

“We are proud and excited to welcome the world to Edinburgh to enjoy the new galleries. We believe heritage helps us to understand who we are and where we are from; and so, we join with the National Galleries of Scotland in declaring this is a place for the people of Scotland. 

“Our support for this project is thanks to National Lottery players and we encourage them to visit as soon and often as they can.”

The total project cost is £38.62 million. This has been funded by major contributions from the Scottish Government (£15.25m) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund (£6.89 million).

An extremely successful fundraising campaign raised over £16m thanks to an extraordinarily generous response in donations from trusts, foundations, Patrons, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Friends organisation, American Patrons and a wide range of private individuals. 

St James Quarter reveals full line up for this weekend’s Style Event

St James Quarter has revealed the full line up of unmissable fashion and beauty events for this weekend’s ‘Edinburgh Style’, which is taking place from today, Friday 29th September, and running until Sunday, 1st October.

Returning to the capital’s lifestyle district for 2023, the weekend-long event will feature styling events with leading brands including Levi’s, IOLLA and Grazia’s very own fashion team who will be sharing their season styling tips on the Style Stage located on Level 3.

Edinburgh Style will also play host to exclusive talks and masterclasses, with Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of the newly opened Scamp & Dude, who is set to talk about the brand’s purpose-led approach, including its ongoing charity campaigns and events.

Beauty aficionados can learn how to get the perfect runway look straight from the experts at H Beauty’s Carnival’s, two days of iconic beauty masterclasses with brands including Pat McGrath, Kylie Cosmetics and Charlotte Tilbury in the Level 1 workshop space from Saturday, 30th September to Sunday 1st October.

The walkways of the Galleria will be transformed into a high fashion runway, providing the backdrop to two iconic fashion shows, where guests will have an exclusive preview of the newest looks fresh off the rails from retailers including John Lewis, H&M, & Other Stories and BOSS, as well as Harvey Nichols on Multrees Walk.

The excitement continues with John Lewis hosting fashion and beauty masterclasses across the weekend as part of its MYJL Members’ Week in collaboration with top influencers Nadine Baggott, Clarissa Rae and Nicole Ocran.

And it doesn’t end there, Michael Kors, Strathberry and LK Bennet on Multrees Walk will join a host of retailers at St James Quarter providing exciting shopping experiences from live music to personalisation and prosecco. So what are you waiting for….

Don’t forget to download the St James Quarter app to stay up to date with all things Style and of course book a space in our incredibly stylish car park.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh Style is returning to St James Quarter this weekend and it’s set to be the most fabulously stylish event yet.

“With a packed schedule of fashion shows and workshops, beauty masterclasses and style talks from leading retailers and of course a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to work on an international style bible with the team from Grazia, it’s one not to miss!”

For more information on the free events that will be taking place across the weekend please visit the St James Quarter app here, or alternatively at: 

https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-style-2023

•     St James Quarter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjamesquarter/

•     St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StJamesQuarter/

Peter Howson exhibition to close with artist-hosted film screening

An exclusive documentary screening alongside a Q&A session with artist Peter Howson will take place this Friday (September 29) to mark the closing of the exhibition ‘When the Apple Ripens‘.

Hosted at the City Art Centre, ‘When the Apple Ripens: Peter Howson at 65: A Retrospective’, traces the illustrious career of Peter Howson, from his early days to the present, featuring over 100 works over three galleries, painstakingly assembled from both public and private collections across the UK and Europe.

Directed by Charlie Paul, and produced by Lucy Paul, Prophecy is an evocative exploration of a single oil painting and the first major film to reveal the motive and techniques behind each stroke of paint as the artist creates.

Released in 2019, the 90-minute feature documentary transports the audience into the darkly comic, obsessive mind of Peter Howson, seeing directly through the artist’s eye. What begins as a blank canvas, emerges as Howson’s monumental oil painting, ‘Prophecy’.

Prophecy reveals what it takes to create a large oil painting, the techniques, the materials, the skills, the thinking behind creation, and the intentions and difficulties that push Howson to achieve this ambitious, masterful, and detailed 6ft x 8ft canvas.

The painting is currently on display at When the Apple Ripens.

Tickets for the screening can be purchased on the Museums and Galleries Edinburgh website.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “This Friday’s screening and Q&A session represents the culmination of one of the most unique, harrowing, and powerful exhibitions we have ever hosted at the City Art Centre.

“Peter Howson has made an indelible impact on British and Scottish art, and we have been truly fortunate to be able to display his life’s work in the heart of Edinburgh.

“Prophecy provides a rich and unique perspective on the arduous and painstaking process of creating work of this calibre. I would encourage residents and visitors to book their tickets now to bot the documentary screening and wider exhibition and experience the full power and fury of Howson’s work”.

Witness appeal following serious collision involving cyclist and pedestrian near Scottish Parliament

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian which occurred on Horse Wynd yesterday morning (Tuesday, 26 September, 2023).

Emergency services responded to the incident around 10.40 am, and the 66-year-old female pedestrian was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where medical staff describe her condition as critical.

The 20-year-old male cyclist was also taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to be checked over and later discharged.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened to get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1037 of Tuesday, 27 September, 2023.”

New Scottish galleries at the National to open this weekend

The National Galleries of Scotland is delighted to announce that the stunning new Scottish galleries at the National will open to the public this Saturday (30 September 2023).

A free experience for everyone to enjoy, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, the new Scottish galleries at the National showcase the very best historic Scottish art. With 150 years of Scotland’s art to discover in the contemporary and fresh new spaces, visitors are sure to recognise some much-loved favourites as they travel through the galleries. 

Transforming the visitor experience and more than doubling the physical display space, 12 breathtaking galleries allow visitors to dive into dramatic landscapes, encounter iconic images and be wowed by art from 1800 to 1945. Spectacular views over the city entice visitors to come in and discover the work of pioneering Scottish artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. 

The new Scottish galleries at the National will bring the nation’s artistic heritage to life – from much-loved Scottish Colourists as well as major works from the first half of the twentieth century to stellar works from the early 1800s onwards.

New ways of looking at Scotland’s natural and built environments will be on offer, with early photographs of Scotland’s capital city shown in the same spaces as grand paintings of majestic Highland landscapes, including works such as Landseer’s The Monarch of the Glen.

Reimagined displays of drawings and sketches will celebrate artists such as Glasgow Style pioneer Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and Alloa-born David Allan, whose depictions of ‘Edinburgh Characters’ will allow visitors to get up close to street life in the Scottish capital in the late eighteenth century. 

The new galleries are easier to access than ever before, to ensure that the greatest number of people can discover the fascinating Scottish art on display. They have an accessible path in east Princes Street Gardens, new lifts, a partial changing place facility, accessible entrance, accessible toilets and a pram store. 

These fresh new spaces will showcase the nation’s magnificent collection of historic Scottish art in new and engaging ways. With a series of new trails, audio guides and events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

With even more to explore across the National, there will also be five new international hangs at the Mound level to enjoy, offering in total over 460 artworks to discover. These galleries feature international superstars such as Poussin, Gauguin, Monet, Chardin and Canaletto.

The new Scottish galleries at the National also includes three new areas specifically designed to display drawings and other fragile artworks, which will change regularly throughout the year.  

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “With this project we set out to transform the experience of visiting the National and to show the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art with real pride and ambition.

“With the new Scottish galleries at the National, we have achieved these aims and more. The gallery is more accessible than ever before and there is a stunning new display of 150 years of Scottish art in all its richness and depth.

“From this Saturday, everyone is welcome to discover a brilliant new experience, free, in the heart of our nation’s capital.” 

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The National Galleries of Scotland has the world’s finest collection of Scottish Art and I’m delighted that the new galleries will now have space to showcase this to a national and international audience. “

We have supported this redevelopment project from the start with a significant contribution of £15.25 million and it’s wonderful to see the new galleries open, allowing everyone to enjoy them.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “National Galleries of Scotland have created a truly world-class facility showcasing Scotland’s distinctive and internationally important artistic heritage.

“This iconic building at the heart of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site is safeguarded for the future, creating a focus for our cultural and economic renewal. 

“We are proud and excited to welcome the world to Edinburgh to enjoy the new galleries. We believe heritage helps us to understand who we are and where we are from; and so, we join with the National Galleries of Scotland in declaring this is a place for the people of Scotland. Our support for this project is thanks to National Lottery players and we encourage them to visit as soon and often as they can.”

The total project cost is £38.62 million. This has been funded by major contributions from the Scottish Government (£15.25m) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund (£6.89 million).

An extremely successful fundraising campaign raised over £16m thanks to an extraordinarily generous response in donations from trusts, foundations, Patrons, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Friends organisation, American Patrons and a wide range of private individuals. 

Pulp to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

  • ICONS PULP TO HEADLINE CONCERT IN THE GARDENS 
  • STREET PARTY PROGRAMME EXPANDED FOR 40,000 REVELLERS 
  • ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 30th ANNIVERSARY STREET PARTY CELEBRATIONS  

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today announced that cultural icons PULP will headline the 30th Anniversary Concert in the Gardens on Sunday 31 December, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into 2024 at the world-famous New Year festival. 

Following a surprise 2023 reunion and run of sell-out summer shows, Pulp’s headline appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay marks the Sheffield band’s first live show in the capital for over 20 years, where they will perform the last show of 2023 and first of 2024, bringing in the bells beneath the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. 

Fronted by Jarvis Cocker, Pulp has provided the soundtrack to a generation, and Concert in the Gardens promises a hit filled set of career spanning pop anthems including Common People, Disco 2000, and Do You Remember the First Time? 

Performing beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle amidst one of the world’s greatest New Year firework displays, Pulp will once again help make Edinburgh the best New Year party on the planet. 

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker said: “When your grandkids ask: “Do you remember the first time Pulp played Edinburgh’s Hogmanay?” What will your answer be? Come along and start 2024 in the very best way possible. Oh, yes!” 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party (31 December) also welcomes 40,000 revellers into Edinburgh city centre and Princes Street, to party their way into 2024 with friends old and new from around the world, counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment. 

Street Party revellers won’t miss out on Pulp’s headline set, with the full performance and DJ soundtracks being broadcast to screens throughout Princes Street in the Pop Zone with spectacular effects, to create one massive city centre party.  

The Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge, presents a night of foot stompin’ music from across Scotland, headlined by the award-winning Elephant Sessions, joined by the incredible Kinnaris Quintet, and opening with an exhilarating hour of energetic ceilidh dancing from the islands with the Hannah Fisher Band. 

The Disco Zone hosted by Silent Adventures will see 4,000 participants enjoy a giant outdoor Silent Disco with tunes from across 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, battling alongside the biggest floor fillers from a host of DJ’s throughout the night. And to celebrate 30 years of the Street Party, the best in live Street Theatre, drummers, pipers, vintage funfair rides, food and drink, will once again create a carnival atmosphere throughout the city centre leading up to the bells. 

Directors of Unique Assembly, who create and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Reaching the milestone 30th anniversary for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a phenomenal achievement, which which since 1993 has welcomed millions of party people to celebrate at the Home of Hogmanay.

“We wanted to make sure that this year was extra special for our audiences and are thrilled to welcome Pulp to the party.

“This will be the hottest ticket in town, and we recommend people grab their tickets fast to make sure they don’t miss out”. 

An expanded four-day programme of world-class events will run from Friday 29 December 2023 – Monday 1 January 2024, kicking-off celebrations on 29 December. 

The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme and ticket details will be released in the coming weeks, but other confirmed events taking place over the four-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 festival include the return of the Torchlight Procession (29 Dec) with presenting partner EventScotland and in support of homeless charity Social Bite, the Night Afore Disco Party (30 Dec) beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a packed programme of free New Year’s Day events for young and old, with the return of the First Footin’ culture trail, welcoming artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, and Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town.  

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners EventScotland, Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th Anniversary celebrations for Scotland. 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The excellent news that pop-pioneers Pulp are set to headline the 30th Anniversary Concert in the Gardens, as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, is testament to the international reputation that our city and festivals command.  

“After the difficult years of the pandemic, I’m overjoyed that our festivals are back to their brilliant best and providing such high calibre cultural offerings for our residents and visitors.        

“I would like to thank Unique Assembly and all our other fantastic partners who have worked so hard on delivering our winter festivals. This year’s New Year’s Eve festivities are set to be some of the finest that Edinburgh has ever seen,  

“I’m sure we’ll all fondly remember the first time that Pulp will see Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh into 2024.”   

VisitScotland Director of Events, Paul Bush OBE said: “Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations are the perfect way to ring in the New Year.

“Whether it’s taking part in the Torchlight Procession, dancing away to pop heroes Pulp or First Footin through the city centre, this year’s expanded four-day programme offer the chance for friends and family to connect, enjoy and share in a number of memorable experiences. 

“EventScotland is proud to be continuing its support of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay as it celebrates it 30th anniversary. Having events of this scale in our calendar reinforces our position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.” 

Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests to be announced, takes place on Sunday 31 December 2023 in West Princes Street Gardens, from 9pm to 12.50am.  Tickets go on general release Friday 29 September at 10.00am from www.edinburghshogmanay.com priced from £75.00 inc. booking fees and 50p charity donation.

A limited Concert in the Gardens pre-sale is available to those registered with www.edinburghshogmanay.com and will begin Thursday 28 September at 10am.   

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party tickets are on-sale now priced £28.50 inc. fees and charity donation, and discounted EH Postcode Resident Street Party Tickets £23.50 inc. fees and charity donation.

Tickets for the Street Party Silent Disco with Silent Adventure are priced £7.50 inc. fees and require a full Street Party ticket to purchase. Spaces for the Silent Disco Zone are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

50p from every Concert in the Gardens and Street Party ticket purchased will be donated to homeless charity Social Bite, and additional online donations can be made when purchasing tickets. 

Tickets for both the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession events are available from 10am, Friday 25 August from:

www.edinburghshogmanay.com. 

Details of further Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 events will be announced in October.