The festive season is an exciting and busy time, but it can also be a challenging time for some people living with dementia and the people who love and care for them. Music can help. It can ease distress, spark conversation and create moments of joy and a unique shared experience for everyone listening.
There are many ways to help people enjoy music together. Why not:
Create a playlist for youself or someone you know
Donate to our work. Just £10 supports five people with a free resource pack
Buy from our shop. We have the perfect gifts for any music lover and all proceeds help people living with dementia
Two of Scotland’s most dynamic festivals are joining forces to create ambitious new work at the intersection of literature and music.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections have announced a multi‑year partnership spanning 2025–2027, featuring a series of original commissions designed to celebrate Scottish creativity, reach new audiences, create new opportunities for Scottish artists, and reimagine what is possible when art forms meet in unexpected ways.
Headline Commission: Scotland and India
A major highlight of this partnership will be the world premiere of The Golden Road at Celtic Connections 2026, a unique collaboration inspired by William Dalrymple’s award-winning book.
Following its debut in Glasgow, The Golden Road will evolve and return in an expanded form for a landmark performance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2026.
This journey from Celtic Connections to the Book Festival will see the project grow and develop, offering audiences a fresh and ambitious reimagining of the work at each stage.
Dalrymple will appear at the Citizens Theatre on 31 January alongside India Alba, a collective of Indian and Scottish musicians whose fusion of Indian classical and Scottish traditional backgrounds has created a unique exploration of world culture. Their debut album Reels and Ragas (2009) and follow‑up High Beyond (recorded in the Himalayas) revealed striking resonances between raga gats and Highland melodies, with the drone sounds of bagpipes and tampura forming a shared musical language.
For Celtic Connections 2026, India Alba will be joined by renowned cellist Su‑a Lee, guitarists Ali Hutton and Graeme Stephen, and further guests to be announced.
Sharat Chandra Srivastava (violin) brings over 35 years of performance experience, rooted in the Senia Gharana tradition and enriched by collaborations with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia.
Gyan Singh (tabla) is an accomplished Hindustani classical musician, trained under Ustad Abdullah Khan, Ustad Faiyaz Khan and Pt. Suresh Talwarkar.
Ross Ainslie, described by The Scotsman as “Scotland’s most sought‑after piper,” is a prolific composer and collaborator, performing with Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica and India Alba.
Alongside the headline commission, audiences can enjoy Rhymes and Reels on 27 January at the Mackintosh Church in Glasgow. This special performance will revive two EIBF‑commissioned works and premiere a new Celtic Connections collaboration.
Harpist Esther Swift presents her musical settings of Jackie Kay’s poetry, with Kay herself reading from The Heartstrings of Poetry, commissioned by EIBF and first premiered at the 2025 festival.
Another EIBF commission, award‑winning poet and novelist Angus Peter Campbell appears with his daughter Brìghde Chaimbeul, blending readings in English and Gaelic with accompaniment from small pipes.
Former National Poet of Scotland Liz Lochhead collaborates with renowned Highland fiddler Duncan Chisholm in a brand‑new Celtic Connections commission.
Jenny Niven, Director, Edinburgh International Book Festival:“We’re delighted to embark on this multi‑year partnership with Celtic Connections, uniting two of Scotland’s most dynamic festivals in a celebration of creativity and collaboration.
“This new era for the Book Festival is about opening doors—bringing together writers, musicians, and audiences in ways that spark new ideas and reach further into our communities.
“Our recent Thistle Award win is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we explore the rich intersections of Scottish literature and music together.”
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer, Celtic Connections:“Celtic Connections has always been about forging new paths and bringing artists together across genres and traditions.
“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, allowing us to celebrate the stories, sounds, and voices that make Scotland’s cultural scene so vibrant.
“By working together, we’re creating space for ambitious new work and for audiences to experience the magic that happens when music and words meet on equal terms.”
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds
Enlightenment by EONARIUM is coming to Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall on 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds.
In a dynamic immersive journey, visitors will be enveloped in stunning visuals and captivating soundscapes inspired by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The waitlist is now live on Fever, the leading tech platform for discovering live entertainment, for those eager to experience this one-of-a-kind event.
Presented by the Zurich-based artist collective PROJEKTIL, in collaboration with Fever, Enlightenment promises to be visually and spiritually uplifting.
The show will transform the iconic McEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh into a sensory journey with vibrant light projections and the iconic melodies of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
PROJEKTIL has revitalised Vivaldi’s original compositions by rearranging and recording them specifically to enhance the immersive experience, blending classical elements with a contemporary touch.
Designed by Sir Rowand Anderson in the late 1800s and adorned with 15 hand-painted mural panels, McEwan Hall stands as a stunning Victorian landmark and the perfect backdrop for audiences to be enveloped by the spellbinding visuals and sounds of Enlightenment.
The 30-minute installation is divided into scenes, each designed to be enjoyed while seated on comfortable chairs or bean bags, allowing guests to gaze up at the projections that adorn the ceiling and walls. They can expect to take in spring, summer, autumn and winter like never before.
The journey also consists of two final stops into the magic of the universe, taking viewers directly to “Samsara”, a concept borrowed from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultures that describes the endless cycle of rebirth and suffering, and “Nirvana”, the attainment of ultimate enlightenment and liberation from samsara.
It’s a fascinating experience that can be enjoyed by children and adults, friends and families alike.
Using video mapping technology, the show creates a precise and immersive environment, melding imagery with the sounds of classical music to fully engage and mesmerise the audience.
Sign up to the waitlist now on Fever’s platform for an exclusive presale access before general sale on 18 December.
Practical information
Location: McEwan Hall, The University of Edinburgh, Teviot Pl, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: From £10.90 (General Admission), £7.90 (Child) and £9.90 (Students and Seniors)
Supported by the British Council, Scottish musician RuMac is in India this week bringing the accordion to thousands of people at Hornbill festival, one of India’s largest cultural festivals
Originally from Ullapool, Ruairidh Maclean, a singer-songwriter who performs as RuMac, took to the main stage at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland this week (Tuesday 02 December), where the United Kingdom is this year’s Country Partner for the festival.
RuMac’s performance at Hornbill marks his first visit to India. Following his festival appearance, he performed at the historic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata (Thursday, 4 December).
Nicknamed the “Festival of Festivals”, the 10-day Hornbill Festival is celebrating its 26th year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. It is India’s largest celebration of tribal heritage, with audiences given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, music, and folklore of the Naga people.
RuMac began his solo set in front of a large projection of the Scottish flag, bringing a blend of traditional Scottish folk, Gaelic song, and a mix of genres to the Hornbill stage. Known for high-energy performances that move from traditional accordion playing to heavy rock, he has built a reputation as a unique live act that went down well with the large crowd.
RuMac said he felt proud to showcase Scottish culture internationally and saw parallels between Highland and Naga folk traditions, saying: ““I’m thrilled to be performing in India for the first time, in a part of theworld I’ve never had the chance to visit before.
“I didn’t know how the performance would go as the accordion is quite a weird instrument! but the crowd have made me feel at home and it was brilliant.
“I’m especially looking forward to my show in Kolkata and to bring a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland along with me; hopefully they’ll like what I do! Slàinte!”
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said:“It’s been brilliant to follow RuMac’s journey to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, which is such a significant moment in the Indian cultural calendar.
“His performance shows how music can bridge cultures and continents and we’re proud to create platforms for Scottish musicians to find new global audiences.”
The British Council has brought UK artists to Hornbill in previous editions, with the festival creating opportunities for musicians to connect with audiences and experience the rich musical traditions of Nagaland, a region whose folk heritage resonates strongly with Scotland’s own.
The visit forms part of the British Council’s ongoing work to foster cultural connections between the UK and India, creating opportunities for artists from both regions to share their work and develop new collaborations.
It continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts and education.
If the winter gloom is getting you down, Heriot-Watt has two events guaranteed to raise your spirits with some festive cheer.
Our ever-popular Christmas Carol Celebration is taking place at the Edinburgh campus on Friday, December 12th. Come to the James Watt Centre at 5.30pm for an unforgettable evening of seasonal music and readings.
Members of the University Choir will be accompanied by the University Orchestra. Complimentary mince pies and mulled wine (alternatives available) will be provided before the concert starts at 6.30pm.
Matthew Brown, Heriot-Watt’s Director of Music, has promised a memorable evening: “The Christmas Carol Celebration is a highlight of our year, bringing together the community to share in the joy and beauty of the season through music. We can’t wait to welcome you.”
Tickets are free and early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please secure your place through Eventbrite – and mark your calendar!
If you can’t make the Christmas Carol Celebration, why not come to ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Wednesday December 10th at 7.30pm?
In the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, the Heriot-Watt Chamber Choir will entertain you with words and music based on the Charles Dickens classic.
Further details and tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ are available through
Over 16,000 people enjoyed free community and music events at Ross Bandstand over the St Andrew’s Day weekend celebrations, presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas.
Edinburgh Christmas, Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Among many others, audiences danced to the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers (pictured) and whirled-away to The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world!
Edinburgh’s Christmas events and activities continue until 4 January!
From pantomimes and touring productions to West End favourites, theatre remains one of Britain’s most cherished cultural experiences, and plays a vital role in local economies.
According to the Society of London Theatre, for every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, an extra £1.40 is generated for the surrounding community through dining, transport and accommodation spending, with new analysis from Twickets showing just how much could be pumped back into local economies through the support of local theatre shows.
Based on the minimum ticket prices and the maximum capacity of some of the UK’s favourite local theatre venues, research shows that between £50,000 and £295,500 could be generated for surrounding businesses per show.
With many venues facing tighter budgets and rising production costs, it’s never been more important for audiences to show their support. A third of UK theatres are expected to report a financial deficit this year, according to The Stage (2025), as they continue to recover from pandemic-related challenges and inflationary pressures.
Richard Davies, founder of the fan-to-fan ticket resale platform Twickets, said: “Theatre is one of Britain’s greatest creative strengths, it inspires communities, supports jobs, and brings people together.
“Every ticket sold helps sustain local venues and the creative talent behind them. This winter is a brilliant time to rediscover live theatre, and there are still plenty of affordable ways to do it.”
Twickets, which partners officially with a growing number of theatres and touring productions, allows fans to buy and sell genuine tickets at face value, ensuring that seats don’t go to waste and that more people can enjoy live performances at fair prices.
Davies added: “Because plans change, tickets come back on sale all the time. Through Twickets, fans can find verified, face-value seats, sometimes just hours before curtain up, without worrying about scams or inflated resale prices.
“Whether it’s a midweek matinee in Manchester or a last-minute night at a West End show, there are brilliant options available for every budget.”
How to make theatre affordable this winter
Set up alerts: Create a free Twickets account and follow favourite shows to get instant email notifications when tickets appear.
Check 24–72 hours before: Many listings appear last-minute when sellers realise they can’t attend.
Be flexible: Matinees, weekday performances and regional theatres often offer the best-value seats.
Combine discounts: Look out for local access schemes and key-worker discounts.
Make an offer: Lots of listings on Twickets accept offers, allowing you to secure tickets at less than face-value.
Use verified platforms: Always use trusted resale sites like Twickets that cap prices at face value and verify every ticket.
Ten of the most in-demand theatre shows on Twickets this Winter:
Founded in 2011, Twickets has grown into one of the UK’s most trusted fan-to-fan resale platforms, partnering officially with artists, promoters and venues across music, comedy and theatre.
Every ticket sold through Twickets is verified, and transactions are protected, ensuring buyers get real tickets, not inflated prices or scams.
EDINBURGH’S 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.
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 bythe 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 eventsinviting 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.
Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook and Instagram.
Could you give the gift of music this Christmas?
Create a playlist for youself or someone you know
Donate to our work. Just £10 supports five people with a free resource pack
Buy from our shop. We have the perfect gifts for any music lover and all proceeds help people living with dementia
