Tag: music

RESISTANCE: North Edinburgh Fights Back

NORTH EDINBURGH ACTIVISTS GO TO TOWN

NORTH Edinburgh community activists are taking their message to town this afternoon with two events taking place at art galleries in the city centre.

The events have been built around artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen’s RESISTANCE photo exhibition, which runs at the Modern 2 gallery on Belford Road until 4th January.

First up, community stalwarts Anna Hutchison and Willie Black will reflect on campaigns past and present in a panel discussion in the National Gallery at 12.45.

With so many years of campaigning experience Anna and Willie have a host of stories to share and, having known the pair for the best part of thirty years, I’ll be there to try to keep the event running to time!

The free event is sold out, but you can still register to watch online.

Later in the afternoon, two North Edinburgh groups have been working together on an ambitious project that encapsulates North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

The result of the collaboration is the Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh exhibition, which opens at The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street from 2pm today (details below).

It promises to be very good and it’s free – don’t miss it!

The details of today’s events:

RESISTANCE|NORTH EDINBURGH PANEL DISCUSSION

Free – Booking essential SOLD OUT

Book tickets

PICTURE: Craig McLean, Outside Drylaw Police station, community campaign GRASP protesting against Police harassment and violence, 2001

The Resistance exhibition chronicles 100 years of protest across Britain from 1903–2003. Using the exhibition as a starting point, activists Willie Black and Anna Hutchison alongside chair Dave Pickering, editor of the North Edinburgh News and Information Worker at Granton Information Centre, discuss North Edinburgh community activism, campaigns and actions, and their relationship and solidarity with local, national and international protests and change.

All tickets for the live event have been snapped up, but you can watch the discussion online in a streamed version of the live event.

Ticketholders will be sent a joining link before the event to either watch live or view the recording later. 

SOLIDARITY WINS: CREATIVE RESISTANCE in NORTH EDINBURGH

Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh Exhibition Launch

2pm – 4pm

National Galleries of Scotland, The Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, EH2 1J

Celebration with food, song and creative activities in the Contemporary Space of the Portrait Gallery. Art works, archive films and research material gathered by Art for Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Arts & Culture Group.

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community and conversation celebrating North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

As part of the Resistance exhibition, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Community Development programme has been working with North Edinburgh groups to create responsive work inspired by the area’s long history of community resistance.

Workshops have included song writing, poetry, photo-montage and exploring photographer Craig MacLean’s back catalogue of North Edinburgh activism, all of which will result in an riso-graph exhibition at the Portrait gallery in November.

As well as this North Edinburgh Arts worked with Local Cinema to programme films as part of their ‘Local Resistance’ programme.

Each screening event included a creative element, one of which included the Resistance choir performing their collaboratively penned song ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘, along with some well known songs on power of solidarity and friendship.

Thanks to song writing facilitator and choir leader Penny Stone and Tinderbox Jed Milroy and artists Sam Rutherford, Jj Fadaka and Megan Rudden, and all those involved so far!

The programme is a partnership with North Edinburgh Arts Art 4 Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group.

IMAGE (above): Collaborative piece by Art 4 Grown Ups members, framed by Muirhouse anti-racism campaign image, 1991.

If anyone is free 2 – 4pm today, it’s the launch of ‘Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh‘ exhibition at the Portrait Gallery, which has been a collaboration between North Edinburgh Arts’ Art 4 Grown Ups project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group (writes HOLLY YEOMAN).

Together they have reflected and responded to North Edinburgh activism and campaigns over the years. There is a community lunch catered by Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and we will be singing our anthem ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘ at around 3pm-ish(!)

The exhibition will run till April, and we welcome community groups who might want to visit. If interested please email hyeoman@nationalgalleries.org

Holly Yeoman

Soundhouse Winter Festival Kicks off next week 

Dates: Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December 2025 

www.soundhousewinterfest.com 

There is just one week to go before the Soundhouse Winter Festival kicks off in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

The Festival Programme is packed with big names and up and coming bands from across Scotland including 2024’s Scottish Jazz Vocalist of the Year Niki King; experimental folk band Constant Follower who were longlisted for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award; genre blending spoken word artist, rapper, and rising star Bee Asha; and guitarist Chris Amer and his Sextet (Matt Carmichael, Fergus McCreadie, Gus Stirrat, Stephen Henderson and Mhairi Marwick) performing music from their new collection Making Peace With What Is. 

The festival’s programme also includes early evening concerts with harpist and lead vocalist Dara Dubh performing fan favourites and new tracks from her forthcoming album, who will be joined by Toni McVey on drums, Eve Simpson on keys/vocals and Brad Phillips on doublebass.

Also performing will be multi-instrumentalist and folk singer Cahalen Morrison performing songs from his forthcoming album with Fergus McCreadie (keys) and Corrie Dick (drums); and jazz saxophonist Rachel Duns whose music ranges from blues and soul, to the psychedelic sounds of the 1960s. 

In addition, award-winning Scottish composer and guitarist Graeme Stephen will present his score for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, performed by Stephen on guitar and a classical string quartet led by Fiona Winning on viola with Tom Hanky (violin), George Smith (violin), and Robert Irvine (cello).

Graeme will also be giving a non-participatory masterclass in Developing Concepts for Composition, Improvisation and Practice, for learners to explore creative ways to turn their ideas into compositions.

Milele Collective who will perform as part of this year’s Spotlight concert. This young five-piece includes Alex Handyside (guitar), Zoe Downs (saxophone), bass player Ashwari Panesar, Finlay Mayers-Porras (drums) and Laura Oghagbon (vocals). 

Over the weekend, audiences will also be treated to an afternoon concert from Scottish/Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters who rose to stardom after their debut album premiered at No.1 in the Official Classical Charts.

Plus, three emerging artists playing in this year’s Spotlight concert, showcasing the very best up and coming jazz musicians in Scotland.

They include the Milele Collective a young five-piece making waves on the Scottish scene with their jazz, latin and afro grooves; guitarist and double bass player Timmy Allan who won the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 2024 and this year’s Alan McAuley Jazz Award; and The Ewan Johnston Trio formed of pianist Ewan Johnston, Christopher Quinnon on bass and BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Roan Anderson on drums. 

In addition, cellist and improvisor Simone Seales will be giving an Improvisation Workshop for beginners on how to make sound without musical notation, open to amateur or experienced instrumentalists, vocalists or musicians from any other discipline.  

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “After last year’s multi-genre celebration of the Scottish music scene, we are delighted to be back for our second annual Soundhouse Winter Festival.

“We’ll be presenting jazz, pop, rap, classical, soul, funk, folk, trad, and many points where those categories intersect. It will be heartwarming, life affirming and a great antidote to the November blues.

“We extend a warm welcome to all: come and be part of Edinburgh’s great music-loving community.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The closes and wynds of the capital are about to come alive as the Soundhouse Winter Festival returns to Edinburgh with another excellent array of rising stars and familiar faces.

“This compact and perfectly curated programme offers plenty of opportunities to discover new talent across an extended weekend in November, with must-see gigs each and every day.

“Organised by the same people as Edinburgh’s rejuvenated Tradfest, the quality of music is guaranteed to be top-level, with something to suit all tastes.” 

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com

Light the nights with a free festive concert this weekend hosted by radio DJ and panto legend Grant Stott

Light Night at Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 23 November, 2pm – 6pm

Ross Bandstand, East Princes Street Gardens 

Free, unticketed 

Winter Festivals

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The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.

The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott. 

Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens. 

From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing! 

The line-up features: 

Leith Phoenix Community Choir

Angela Watson School of Dance

Little Voices Big Stars Choir

BollyFeat Dancers

Singerie choir

Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra

Magician Kevin Quantum

SoundSational 

(subject to change on the day)

Iconic Edinburgh record shop Avalanche Records moves to bigger space following record year

Independent Edinburgh record shop, Avalanche Records, has invested over £100k in partnership with Waverley Market owners Moorgarth, in a move to a larger premise in the centre, following a record-breaking year.

The new space, located in Waverley Market tucked above Edinburgh Waverley station and just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, was previously a storage area meaning a new shop has been created from scratch.

The new shop, dedicated to vinyl, CDs, posters and t-shirts, is considerably bigger compared to Avalanche Records’ previous location.

The move to the new space this month comes as Avalanche Records reports a record-breaking year since first opening its doors to music lovers four decades ago. A number of high-profile gigs in Edinburgh in 2025, including Oasis, AC/DC and Chappell Roan, have helped attract music fans to the store. 

Avalanche Records recorded its best ever month in August surpassing the previous record in December 2024 and 60% up on August 2024.

Everything in the new space has been purpose built to deliver the best shopping experience for customers. The space dedicated to stocking vinyl, CDs and posters will each grow by 50%, with t-shirt space seeing a 25% increase, meaning there will be even more stock for music lovers to choose from.

From those looking to discover Scottish artists old and new, to those wanting the latest vinyl from their favourite global superstars, Avalanche Records has it covered. The new shop front will also showcase two large window displays featuring the very best of  what Avalanche Records has to offer.

41 years after first opening its doors, Avalanche Records sticks to its original principles of promoting the artists they like while also listening to what their customers want.

Avalanche Records stuck with vinyl when vinyl popularity took a big dip but is now reaping the rewards of its revival, while not dismissing CDs, as well as catering for the huge demand for music merchandise with a wide range of t-shirts, posters, prints, cards, patches and badges.

The latest move from Avalanche Records follows a number of recent investments in Waverley Market, including the launch of gift and gadget shop Menkind on the upper level, and the soon to be open bowling and games bar with food and drink, King Pins. Further tenants will be announced in the New Year, with limited units remaining.

Avalanche Records has also been an ongoing supporter of Waverley Market, most recently hosting an exhibition in the Market’s “secret staircase” in collaboration with international artist Butcher Billy, with a number of striking Taylor Swift graphics on display which attracted over ten thousand visitors.

Kevin Buckle, Avalanche Records owner, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and, moving forward, we intend to work even more closely with our fellow tenants such as Rainbow Bubble Tea and The Cheery Churro who are particularly popular with our younger customers.

“The extra floor space means we can now stock more merchandise, for example we can now carry a full selection of the much sought after punk teddy bears lovingly made by the Fife artist Marie Allan and a popular present for those Christmas shopping.”  

Neil G Mackie, Waverley Market Centre Manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see not only the relocation and upsizing of Avalanche Records within Waverley Market, but also the confidence and commitment of this key tenant in the centre.

“Avalanche Records is a phenomenal retail offer, founded on knowledge and experience, which is unique not only to Waverley Market but more importantly to the wider Edinburgh retail landscape”.

Avalanche Records can be found in Waverley Market and is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm (11am – 5pm on Sundays).

For more information, visit: https://avalancherecords.co.uk/

Christmas Songbook to bring festive cheer to Edinburgh

Scotland’s iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Edinburgh this December. 

With a legendary line up fronted by beloved accordion player Phil Cunningham, dazzling new arrangements, and the same heartwarming charm that has made it a seasonal staple for nearly two decades, this year’s tour is set to be one of the most enchanting yet.

Edinburgh audiences will be treated to three unforgettable performances at The Queen’s Hall on Friday 19th, Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd December.

For 19 years, Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook has been a cherished tradition, blending exquisite musicianship, captivating storytelling and a joyful mix of contemporary and traditional Christmas tunes.

Joining Phil on stage is a stellar lineup of some of Scotland’s most celebrated musicians, including the incomparable Eddi Reader, the soulful Karen Matheson, multi-instrumental maestro John McCusker, Orcadian roots sensation Kris Drever, guitar virtuoso Ian Carr, and the ever-versatile double bassist Kevin McGuire. 

Phil Cunningham said: “The Christmas Songbook is my favourite time of year. It’s a chance to bring people together, share music, laughter and a little festive magic.

“From contemporary carols and tunes to a mix of classics, we’ll be bringing the Christmas cheer in spades to Edinburgh and can’t wait to see the smiles on faces and hear people singing along.

“It’s a privilege to share the stage with such incredible musicians and to celebrate the season with audiences at The Queen’s Hall.”

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook takes place across Scotland, 13 – 22 December 2025.Tickets available now at: philcunningham.com/live-shows

Pitt Christmas: Hunt is on for Festive Musicians

  • Are you a band with an eclectic collection of funky Xmas tunes?
  • Are you part of a choir or singing group who’s renditions of Christmas carols and pop hits leaves audiences dabbing at their eyes?
  • Are you a guitar-toting independent artist who is just dying to put their own twist on Christmas classics?

We want YOUUUU for our Christmas celebrations at The Pitt (Pittmas?) We will be having various musical performances and opportunities to play across the festive season, starting from late November.

We are in particular looking for groups and choirs from across North Edinburgh, but if you are from a bit further afield, please get in touch anyway!

Contact granton@thepitt.co.uk with more information about what you’re offering.

Edinburgh’s Christmas: Full Ross Bandstand programme unveiled

Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline the community programme

  • Excitement mounts as Edinburgh’s Christmas opening is less than 3 weeks away
  • Traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree & Advent Concert to light-up The Mound and herald beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations
  • Plus, Scottish bagpiping icons, silent discos, ceilidhs, carol concerts and more top the bill for the beloved Ross Bandstand

With just under three weeks until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to  Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme has been unveiled,  promising a lively hub of family-friendly and community events, taking place across four  weekends leading up to Christmas. 

From a showstopping performance from the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers to St.  Andrew’s Day ceilidhs, carol concerts, Santa Runs and more, the much-loved Ross Bandstand  stage will be at the centre of Edinburgh’s seasonal celebrations for 2025.

 A full list of highlights includes: 

Norwegian Christmas Tree Light-Up – Tuesday 18 November, 6pm (Public switch on at 6.15pm):

A beloved annual tradition which recognises the help given to the Nordic country by Scots  during World War II, this special event stands as a powerful symbol of friendship between the  two nations. Each year, the must-see light-up of the gorgeous Norwegian Spruce Christmas  Tree on the Mound marks a cherished moment in the city’s festive calendar, heralding the  beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations. 

The ceremony is followed by Scottish-Norwegian advent concert at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm,  where locals and visitors alike are invited to join in for a night of musical reflection. This event  is free to attend, with St Giles’ providing an atmospheric, accessible venue for elves of all ages  to enjoy! 

Light Night Concert at West Princes Street Gardens – Sunday 23 November, 2pm until 6pm:

Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of  Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself.

Between 2pm and 4pm,  the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with  roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens.

From  4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a  special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural  venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles  guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing!  

A Taste of Scotland – Saturday 29 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers take centre stage at the Ross Bandstand to headline a free day of  fun celebrating Scotland’s culture, craft and community spirit. Renowned across the world for  their signature “bagrock” sound, the group’s high-energy performances fuse traditional pipes  with rock anthems, promising to round off the day in unforgettable style. 

Earlier in the day, explore stalls from Scottish makers in recognition of Fair Saturday – the  global movement that celebrates artists, cultural organisations, and social projects the day  after Black Friday. With live music from local performers, Highland dancers, hearty stovies  and more, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Scotland’s creativity and charm! 

St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market – Sunday, 30 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):

Celebrating St. Andrew’s Day, Ross Bandstand comes alive on 30 November with a special  free Family Ceilidh. This year, The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience will take to the  stage – a band renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world.

With a caller to teach the  steps, it doesn’t matter whether you are a dab hand at the Dashing White Sergeant or a first time Highland Flinger, everyone’s in for a lively whirl. These traditional Scottish dances are as  fun and joyful to watch as they are to join, with local Highland Dancers on hand to show how  it’s done. 

This event also brings back the local makers’ market and delicious food stalls from A Taste of Scotland on Saturday, offering another chance to browse unique crafts and enjoy a taste of Scotland’s finest fare. 

Nativity Scene Carols on The Mound – Sunday 30 November, 5pm until 6pm, Mound Place: 

Once again, the beautiful Nativity Scene, crafted by Munich sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand,  returns to The Mound as a central part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations. Since 2023,  the stunning display has become a much-loved seasonal landmark, offering a quiet space for  reflection amid the bustle of the festive period.

This year, the scene will be blessed by Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews &  Edinburgh, marking the beginning of the city’s Christmas celebrations and inviting residents  and visitors alike to pause and share in the message of peace and hope that lies at the heart  of Christmas.

After the blessing, visitors are invited to join the annual Nativity Carol Concert held in  collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together in Assembly Hall’s beautiful Courtyard,  featuring performances from local school and church choirs. This event is free to attend, with  everyone welcome!

Edinburgh Sings – Saturday 6 December, 2pm until 5pm:

Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of free festive music with performances from community and  performance choirs. Audiences can expect performances of their favourite carols and  Christmas classics at the Ross Bandstand, with plenty of opportunity to join in! 

Santa Run and Santa Paws – Sunday 7 December, 11am (registration 9.30am to 10.30am – starts 11am):

Edinburgh’s Christmas is delighted to welcome the beloved When You Wish Upon a Star  Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk, celebrating 21 years this winter.

The event sees Santas,  Elves, Olafs and other festive creatures run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit in West  Princes Street Gardens to fundraise money for a very deserving cause.

When You Wish Upon  a Star is a Scottish charity that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases  come true. Those who would like to take part, can register and purchase tickets here. 

If you are worried about your furry friends feeling left behind, worry no more: Santa Paws is  here! A Santa Run but for animals, Santa Paws sees our canine friends throw on their best  festive outfits and make a run for it.

With photo opportunities, activities throughout the  afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage, West Princes Street Gardens is paw-sitively the place to be this festive season! 

Silent Disco Christmas Cracker – Saturday 13 December, 6.30pm-8pm:

Get ready to dance the night away beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle as  the Christmas Cracker returns to the Ross Bandstand.

Partygoers can choose from three  music channels packed with festive favourites, with both a static DJ and a roving DJ going  head-to-head to deliver the ultimate Christmas playlist.

A lively, feel-good celebration, this  event promises an unforgettable night of music, lights and festive cheer right in the heart of  the city.

For tickets, visit www.edwinterfest.com.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Christmas is beginning to arrive in Edinburgh, and  there’s so much to look forward to across this year’s celebrations. From festive performances  and community celebrations to special moments for families, most of the events on offer are  free so there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

“I’m especially delighted to welcome the ever popular Red Hot Chilli Pipers to the Ross  Bandstand for what promises to be a showstopping performance. I’m sure it will be a real  highlight of the season and a fantastic way for people to get in the holiday spirit.”

A Unique Assembly spokesperson said: “West Princes Street Gardens will be bursting with  festive cheer this winter, with a packed programme of free and ticketed community events  spreading Christmas cheer and a warm Scottish welcome to locals and visitors alike.

“Whether  singing loud for all to hear at the Light Night Concert and Silent Disco Christmas Cracker,  birling beneath Edinburgh Castle to live ceilidh bands, watching the world-famous Red Hot  Chilli Pipers sleighing the stage on St. Andrews Day weekend, or joining hundreds of Santas for a run around West Gardens, there is festive fun for everyone!’

Winter Festivals

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Edinburgh set to come alive for City Poppy Day 2025

Scotland’s capital city is gearing up to host what has become a firm fixture in its calendar this week. Supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal, Edinburgh Poppy Day returns tomorrow (Thursday, October 30), live from St Andrew Square throughout the day. 

Working in partnership with Poppyscotland to provide the day’s entertainment is BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) with presenters Mark McKenzie and Jim Gellatly who will host a concert with music from the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland, Edinburgh Military Wives Choir, Rosyth Military Wives Choir, RBLS Dunfermline & District Pipe Band and Wave of the Flood, Royal Marine veteran Richard Kerr and George Heriot’s School Pipe Band.

They will also speak to a host of special guests live on air throughout the day from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Scores of volunteers will also be out on the day to collect the vital funds the charity needs to continue supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland.  

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “Edinburgh Poppy Day is always a huge hit across our capital city with locals and visitors taking in the atmosphere and entertainment in St Andrew Square and further afield.

“It is a day where people come together to show their support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal as we lead up to our national day of Remembrance. So, please pop along, donate what you can, wear your poppy with pride and say hello to our wonderful team of volunteers.”

Radio presenter Mark McKenzie, of BFBS, said: “This is always a great day where BFBS teams up with fantastic musicians to highlight the work done by Poppyscotland and how the charity supports our Armed Forces and the veteran’s community.”

Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health and mobility. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay launches music and comedy programme with Scottish talent topping the bill

2MANYDJS, VALTOS AND HAYLEY ZALASSI TAKE OVER STREET PARTY

ASSEMBLY ROOMS FESTIVAL CLUB WELCOMES VIC GALLOWAY’S VITAMIN C CLUB NIGHT, SUSIE MCCABE, LARRY DEAN AND MORE, AS WELL AS RETURN OF TRADITIONAL CEILIDHS

PLUS, ST.GILES’ WELCOMES LAU FOR SPECIAL CANDLELIT CONCERT

TICKETS ON SALE VIA www.edinburghshogmanay.com from TODAY

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spannning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill across the famous Street Party, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club at the Assembly Rooms and Candlelit Concerts at St.Giles’ Cathedral. 

From electro-trad trailblazers Valtos to comedy mainstays Susie McCabe, Larry Dean and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, trad trio Lau, as well as Street Party headliners 2manydjs and more, there’s non-stop entertainment to end the year on a high at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.  

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY STREET PARTY

Amidst the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic skyline, the legendary Street Party will once again transform the city centre into one of the world’s largest open-air dancefloors on 31 December, bringing in the bells with the last show of 2025 and the first of 2026. 

Electronic sensations 2manydjs will headline the Party Zone, delivering a set relayed throughout Princes Street, building up to the world-famous Midnight Moment fireworks from Edinburgh Castle. 

Known for their eclectic, boundary-pushing DJ sets, the Belgian duo will take to the decks for one night only, joined by special guest DJHayley Zalassi, who will kickstart the party with one of her euphoric sets. 

Meanwhile, the Tartan Zone will spotlight homegrown talent, headlined by genre-bending Skye duo Valtos. Known for their powerful fusion of electronic soundscapes and contemporary folk, Martyn MacDonald and Daniel Docherty will set the tone for a high-energy night, joined by their full live band.

Partygoers can dance the night away to all-female folk outfit The Poozies and the upbeat Bella McNab’s Dance Band, creating one of the world’s largest ceilidh dances and spotlighting Scottish traditional music to end the year. 

Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald of Valtos said: “We are absolutely delighted to be asked to perform at the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party this year.

“The Street Party is iconic worldwide and the opportunity to showcase our sound (and the sound of Scotland) to locals, and visitors alike, fills us with much excitement. The only thing blowing the roof off this year will be Valtos!”

ASSEMBLY ROOMS FESTIVAL CLUB

Some of Scotland’s leading comedians join the Hogmanay festivities this year with a night of non-stop laughs at Ho Ho Hogmanay on 30 December, featuring award-winning comedy from Larry Dean, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd and more. 

A stellar bill of Scottish acts will take to the stage including one of the UK’s leading comics and three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Larry Dean and, following a completely sold out Edinburgh Fringe run, Glaswegian stand-up Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, plus Edinburgh local and rising star Ayo Adenekan, with the night hosted by comedy legend Susie McCabe.  

Susie McCabe said: “New Year is such a brilliant time to be in Edinburgh, and a night of comedy at the Assembly Rooms is the perfect starter before the main event on Hogmanay night!”

Assembly Rooms will also host a special opening-night takeover with Vic Galloway’s Vitamin C Club Night on 29 December, following the annual Torchlight Procession. Curated and hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), this spectacular night of live music will feature live music from local indie-rock band waverley. and a DJ set from Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai fame, for non-stop dancin’, a night of rock’n’roll, psych, cosmic disco, soul, funk and rarities – and everyone is invited. 

The festival’s beloved foot-stompin’ ceilidhs also return, inviting revellers of all ages to dance their way into the New Year in true Scottish style.

An annual sell-out, the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club returns for an afternoon of family fun on 31 December with the Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, whilst the late-night Hogmanay Ceilidh Club invites guests to dress to impress and take to the dancefloor for a night of high-energy ceilidh in traditional Hogmanay fashion, featuring Scotland’s best live ceilidh bands across two dancefloors with Ceilidhonia, Teannaich, Hugh McDiarmid’s Haircut, and Bodhran Bodhran, delicious whisky tasting and a raucous countdown to midnight and Auld Lang Syne.  

CANDLELIT CONCERTS 

In the Old Town, the beloved Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral returns on Hogmanay night, offering an evening of musical reflection in one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric settings.  

This year’s concert marks the arrival of 2026 with works from classical giants Bach and Mozart, performed by the St. Giles’ Cathedral Choir, directed by new Master of Music Jack Oades, along with the St. Giles’ Camerata, and a stunning array of talented young soloists. 

Brand new for 2025, St. Giles’ is also the setting for an intimate candlelit performance from acclaimed folk trio Lau on 30 December. Lau by Candlelight sees some of traditional music’s most celebrated innovators Kris Drever (guitar, vocals), Martin Green (accordion) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle), strip away their banks of electronics, loops and wild effects, for a performance less about spectacle and more about close listening and reflection. 

These newly announced shows further expand a four-day programme that already features Grammy Award-winners Wet Leg at the Concert in the Gardens, joined by Scots favourites Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys.  

Scottish music legends Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert on 30 December, performing a barnstorming set underneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, with support from Scottish accordion sensation RuMac. 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is always an unforgettable experience, and 2025 promises to be another year to remember.

“With a fantastic four-day festival lined up for the celebrated Street Party, there’s no better place in the world to welcome the New Year.

“This year’s programme truly offers something for people of all ages – whether you’re dancing to DJ sets from international icons like 2MANYDJs and local favourite Hayley Zalassi or enjoying the family-friendly fun of the beloved Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club.

“I have no doubt this will be one of the most memorable Hogmanay celebrations yet. It’s not to be missed.”

Directors of Unique Assembly, who create and produce the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival said: “We’re incredibly proud to unveil the next wave of events, with a feast of live music, ceilidhs and comedy across four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“From rising stars to much-loved mainstays of the cultural scene, these artists and events promise to light up every corner of the city, from the exhilarating Street Party, the hilarious Ho Ho Hogmanay and our raucous traditional ceilidhs, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Tickets for all events on sale from 12pm Friday 24 October, via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

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