Tag: New Years Day

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay reveals full lineup for First Footin’ programme

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.  

Serious assaults in Frederick Street on New Years Day

POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO DOUBLE ASSAULT

Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh city centre.

About 3.30am on Monday, 1 January, 2024 two men were seriously assaulted in Rose Street, Edinburgh at it’s junction with Frederick Street by a group of men and women.

The men who suffered head and facial injuries were taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe from Edinburgh CID said “This was a brutal attack and it is imperative that we trace the people responsible and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

“We know there was a pedestrian who would have witnessed this assault and may have information that can help us. I would also appeal to the people who stopped and provided first aid to the two injured men.”

Anyone with any information, or footage of the incident, should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1142 of Monday, 1 January 2024. Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

First Minister’s warm words won’t give shopworkers the break they deserve on New Year’s Day says Usdaw

Retail trade union Usdaw is disappointed with the response of Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to a question from Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie about closing large retail stores on New Year’s Day 2024, so that retail workers can spend the day with their loved ones.

The exchange took place in the Scottish Parliament at today’s First Minister’s Questions. The Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act 2007 barred large stores from opening on Christmas Day and gave the Scottish Government powers to introduce a similar ban on New Year’s Day. However the SNP Government continues to refuse to use that power to give shopworkers a proper festive break.

Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw’s Regional Secretary for Scotland says: “The First Minister’s warm words about ‘fair work’ and taking another look at this issue is too little too late.

“It won’t mean much to our members while the Scottish Government continually refuses to enact their power to stop the opening of large stores on New Year’s Day. They have persistently not listened to the 98% of Scottish shopworkers who want stores to close. Too many will now being going to work on 1 January next year when they’d rather be somewhere else.

“Our members are deeply disappointed with the attitude of the Scottish Government. Retail staff have work every day to keep our communities fed and healthy, face high levels of abuse and are now dealing with a very busy run up to the festive season. The very least these key workers deserve is that the Scottish Government shows their appreciation for the essential work they do by giving them a proper festive break.”

Concern over missing Portbello woman Alice Byrne: can you help?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing a 28-year-old Alathea Byrne – known as Alice – who is missing from her home in Portobello.

Alice was last seen by her family at her home around 2am on Saturday, 1 January. She met friends in Marlborough Street and left a flat there around 10am on Saturday.

She is described as white, around 5ft 6ins in height and of medium build with short black hair. When she was last seen she was wearing an orange jacket, black top, black jeans and white trainers. She was carrying a black rucksack.

Inspector Keith Scott said: “It is out of character for Alice not to keep in contact with her family and friends. We are becoming increasingly concerned for her wellbeing and we are working to trace her as soon as possible to ensure that she is safe and well.

“Searches and enquiries have been ongoing since she was reported missing, and we are now asking the public for any assistance they can provide.

“I would urge anyone who has seen Alice since Saturday morning, or anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible.

“I would appeal to Alice herself to contact us if she sees this appeal. Contact 101 quoting reference 0647 of 2 January.”

Ne’er Day petition launched in the Scottish Parliament

Usdaw survey finds 98% call for shops to close

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has launched a petition on the Scottish Parliament website that calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to launch a consultation on implementing legislation already in place to ban most large shops from opening on New Year’s Day.

Sign the petition at: www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/newyearsday

The Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading Act (Scotland) Act 2007 prohibits trading in most large shops on Christmas Day and gave powers to the Scottish Government to stop the opening of those shops on New Year’s Day as well, which has never been enacted.

An extensive Usdaw survey of over 1,000 Scottish retail staff, found that:

  • 98% say that stores should be shut on New Year’s Day
  • Three quarters feel they spend too little time with friends and family over New Year.
  • Only 4% are happy to work on New Year’s Day or 2 January.

The full survey results can be viewed at: www.usdaw.org.uk/NYDSurvey

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, said: “Usdaw’s survey clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling among our members, so we are calling on them, along with all shopworkers and the public, to support this petition for a decent break at New Year after the busy Christmas period.

“Retail staff work incredibly hard all year round, but it is particularly busy and stressful throughout December. So they deserve to be able to spend time with family and friends, only 4% of Scottish retail workers are happy to work on New Year’s Day.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “Hogmanay and New Year is a special holiday in Scotland, but this is not reflected in the experience of many retail workers.

“Under the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act 2007, Scottish Ministers may, by statutory instrument, ban large shops from opening on New Year’s Day, subject to consultation.

“On behalf of Scotland’s retail workers, we are urging the Scottish Government to open that consultation and for MSPs to listen to shopworkers concerns about their work/life balance.”

What shopworkers say:

You’re tired from working and don’t really relax or enjoy the limited time you get with them. Then you start all over again working New Year’s Day too!!!

If, like myself, you have to work Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – it should be paid at least time and half.

As a store manager I have had to work Christmas and New Year. A lot of hard work goes into the weeks leading up. By Christmas Day you are exhausted and then back to work on Boxing Day. This year I also have to work New Year’s Eve, New Years Day and on the second.

I am not happy working till 1930 on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. By 4pm our store was fairly empty.

Finishing times on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay are creeping up later, which has a severe impact on family life for retail workers.

Sean Woodward death: teenager convicted of culpable homicide

A teenager has been convicted of the culpable homicide of 30-year-old Shaun Woodburn. The 17-year-old was found guilty at Dunfermline High Court of Culpable Homicide following the incident that caused Shaun’s death outside Gladstone’s Public House in Leith in the early hours of Sunday, January 1. He was also convicted of a number of other assaults. Continue reading Sean Woodward death: teenager convicted of culpable homicide