New venue announced for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations as line-up revealed

A new programme of events will take place in Edinburgh's McEwan Hall as part of this year's Hogmanay week celebrations, including a performance from singer Charlotte Church and an opening event for the annual Torchlight Procession which will once again launch New Year celebrations around the world.

The McEwan Hall will transform into the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club to host a range of live Scottish music, comedy, ceilidh and in-conversation events across the four days of the festival, which will see already-announced band The Fratellis headline the Night Afore Party in West Princes Street Gardens.

The venue will host celebrations including the new Torchlight Procession Opening Event on December 29, featuring a showcase of Scotland including fiddle band Blazin’ Fiddles, pipe bands, and the South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Vikings warming up audiences ahead of the procession.

Gathering in The Meadows, guests will enjoy a host of entertainment from live street theatre to fire performers and drummers and music.

The procession, which attracts 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators to Edinburgh’s Old Town, will raise around £25,000 for charities which this year include My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star and Street Assist.

Following the Torchlight Procession, revellers can return to McEwan Hall for the opening night concert where Blazin’ Fiddles will host guest Gaelic singer Karen Matheson of Capercaillie, who will join the fiddle band.

Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said: “The Torchlight Procession is such a special event, and we’re thrilled to support it once again. Hogmanay is a defining moment in Edinburgh’s winter calendar, bringing communities and visitors together to celebrate the new year while showcasing the city’s rich culture and traditions.

The Torchlight Procession attracts 15,000 participants. | Ryan Buchanan / Unique Assembly

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay forms part of a wider portfolio of events and festivals aimed to attract visitors across the winter season, helping to support Scotland’s development as a year-round destination.”

Closing the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations in McEwan Hall is the return of last year’s sell-out event Muckle Be The Light on New Year’s Day where Edinburgh’s Makar Michael Pedersen will perform with Ms Church, poet Hollie McNish and wildlife TV presenter and cameraman Gordon Buchanan, who will discuss the natural world saved his life, including close encounters with lions, tigers and bears.

Meanwhile, singer and musician Julie Fowlis will perform at the McEwan Hall alongside a band comprising Éamon Doorley, Michael McGoldrick, Tony Byrne and Duncan Chisholm, on 30 December.

Councillor Margaret Graham, culture and communities convener of Edinburgh City Council, said: “The Torchlight Procession is always a striking sight as thousands of people make their way through the city’s streets – it’s a real highlight of the festive period.”

Produced by Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay culminates on New Year’s Day with a free and ticketed programme of music across the city at First Footin’. Amidst the celebrations are outdoor concerts, indoor ceilidhs, comedy shows and traditional Scottish celebrations for children and families.