Friday October 9th 2026
Edinburgh Hogmanay (photo by Roberto Ricciuti)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scottish music stars Blazin’ Fiddles, Julie Fowlis and Karen Matheson will perform at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations this December, as a new programme of events is announced for the capital.
The traditional music acts will take to the stage at McEwan Hall, which will become the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club for the first time, hosting live music, comedy, ceilidhs and special events across the four-day festival.
Tickets for the new Festival Club events and the annual Torchlight Procession go on sale at 12pm on Friday, October 9, through the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.
The celebrations begin on Tuesday, December 29, with the return of the Torchlight Procession, which will see thousands of people carry torches through Edinburgh’s historic streets.
Gathering at The Meadows, participants will enjoy live street theatre, fire performers, drummers and music before being guided through the city by pipe bands and the South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad from Shetland.
The annual event attracts around 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators, while raising money for charity. This year’s beneficiaries include One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie and Street Assist.
The procession is supported by presenting partner VisitScotland, with £2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket donated to charity.
Following the procession, Blazin’ Fiddles will headline the opening night concert at McEwan Hall, joined by special guest Karen Matheson, the acclaimed Gaelic singer and lead vocalist of Capercaillie.
On Wednesday, December 30, multi-award-winning singer and musician Julie Fowlis will perform with her band, featuring Éamon Doorley, Michael McGoldrick, Tony Byrne and Duncan Chisholm.
Fowlis, whose music is deeply influenced by her upbringing in the Highlands and Hebrides, is celebrating 25 years as a professional musician in 2026.
She said: “It’s always a joy to be in our capital city, but it’s particularly special to be performing as part of our world-famous Hogmanay celebrations. Come along and join us!”
The McEwan Hall programme will also include the return of Muckle Be The Light on New Year’s Day, following a sell-out event last year.
Hosted by Edinburgh’s Makar, poet Michael Pedersen, the event will bring together music, conversation and poetry, with guests including Welsh musician and activist Charlotte Church, poet Hollie McNish and wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan.
Elsewhere, The Fratellis and special guests will perform at the Night Afore Party in West Princes Street Gardens on December 30.
On New Year’s Eve, electronic music duo Underworld will provide a live soundtrack for a special Midnight Moment, combining music, fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, lights and projections for an audience of up to 50,000 people in West Princes Street Gardens.
The wider programme will also include First Footin’ on New Year’s Day, featuring free and ticketed music events, indoor ceilidhs, comedy shows and family activities across the city.
Tickets for the Torchlight Procession start at £22, including a torch, booking fees and a charity donation. Festival Club events at McEwan Hall start at £27.50, with tickets for Muckle Be The Light also priced from £27.50.
Tickets are available through the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.
The festival is produced by Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, with support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland and VisitScotland.
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