There will be a foot stomping programme of events for everyone to enjoy on New Year’s Day in Edinburgh with music curated by award-winning musician and composer, Aidan O’Rourke.
The programme is funded by The Scottish Government’s Expo Fund and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.
The schedule includes First Footin’ which is a culture trail and Sprogmanay an event to tire out the younger members of the family.
These two fabulous events are aimed at people of all ages looking to bring in 2024 with some music and dancing during the day – and after the razzmatazz of Hogmanay on Princes Street and in the Gardens.
The music will be live and performed by a variety of bands and musicians and organisers say the mood will be love, friendship and resolution – all remembered and fêted at Hogmanay.
Musicians will include: Becky Sikasa, Bemz, Coth, Fergus McCreadie Trio, Grace and the Flat Boys, Graeme Stephen, Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band, Her Picture, Hot Chip (DJ set), Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer, Kathryn Joseph, Lau, Mira Benjamin, No Windows, Sean Shibe, and Tam Dean Burn.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I’m delighted to support this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations with £130,000 from our Festival Expo Fund.
“The free events programme is at the heart of the capital’s winter festivities and provides a high-profile platform for talented performers based in Scotland.”
Aidan O’Rourke, of Lau, and guest curator said: “The first day of the new year. Normal rules don’t apply. Emotions are big and wobbly. Hopes are high. The light seems different. Resolutions are … pending. We might feel refreshed but also (possibly) heftily hungover. A special sensitivity! A perfect day for listening, resetting, turning off the phones and sitting still for a moment or several. It’s been a joy to curate these free concerts: incredible musicians playing in up-close, low-key and immersive settings.”
First Footin’ highlights include:
An exclusive collaboration between pioneering folk trio Lau, who will be joined by special guest and cult singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph for a New Year’s Day party like no other at St Giles’ Cathedral, greeting their first-footers with songs and a warm welcome
A special day time club event at Virgin Hotel with very special guests Hot Chip (DJ Set) and guest DJs
An afternoon of award-winning jazz from Fergus McCreadie Trio and special guests Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer at Greyfriars Kirk
Edinburgh born guitarist and recipient of the 2022 Leonard Bernstein Award Sean Shibe and special guest violinist Mira Benjamin at the Fruitmarket Gallery
Live music score performed by the Graeme Stephen Trio to classic silent movies, at the new St Andrew Square Spiegeltent
An afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Mull’s Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band at the Assembly Rooms Ballroom
Plus an evening of revelry at the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer taking place in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs and bars
In a special collaboration with The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award and partners Stirling Council, First Footin’ will this year welcome a selection of 2023’s Shortlisted artists to the live music trail, with nominees Becky Sikasa, Bemz, Cloth, and this year’s Sound of Young Scotland winner No Windows performing at the Assembly Rooms Music Hall. Named amongst the 10 most outstanding Scottish Albums of the Year, this showcase of SAY Award alumni presents the very best in contemporary Scottish music.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I’m delighted to see the announcement of this year’s First Footin’ and Sprogmanay. Residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the start of 2024 with an eclectic, exciting and free programme of events. From experimental folk music, to award-winning rap, all the way to arts, crafts and family activities there is truly something for everyone of all ages.
“I’d like to thank the organisers for their efforts, and I can’t wait to experience what this year has in store for our city.”
A spokesperson from UniqueAssembly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce our free New Year’s Day activity thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund. With family events at the National Museum of Scotland and Assembly Roxy, and an eclectic music trail across the city, there’s hopefully something for everyone to enjoy.
“This is the second year of our First Footin’ Culture Trail – an opportunity for music fans to see some of Scotland’s best local talent alongside international acts right on their doorstep. The Festivals Expo Fund has enabled us to continue this new tradition, showcasing the amazing artists performing in Scotland year round and the incredible live music venues that support them.”
First Footin’ takes place at venues throughout the city (St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirk, Virgin Hotel, Fruitmarket Gallery, Assembly Rooms, St Andrew Square Spiegeltent, Scottish Café Bar & Restaurant, Cold Town House, Auld Hundred, The Black Bull, Boozy Cow, Copper Blossom, Element, and The Huxley) from 2pm – 8pm on New Year’s Day.
A full line-up of artists and venues along with First Footin’ trail map will be released in early December, for participants to plan a fun-packed New Year’s Day.
Celebrations for families and young revellers run throughout New Year’s Day with the return of the hugely popular Sprogmanay in collaboration with the National Museum of Scotland. Enjoy lively performances and activities for all the family with a vibrant free programme including; music performances from Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock, arts and crafts, and the ‘Resolution Tree’, where children are invited to write their hopes and ambitions for 2024 on a star – sure to be a special moment for families on the first day of the New Year.
Dance the day away at the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh hosted by the incredible Fruin Ceilidh Band at Assembly Roxy. The fun, relaxed environment is the perfect chance to embrace tradition and introduce the kids to a classic ceilidh for the first time with an expert caller on hand to ensure everyone of all ability can join in. Running all afternoon, families are invited to stay for the afternoon or drop in and out of sessions to catch their breath!
Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail round off four days of world-class celebrations in Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.
Celebrations begin on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession and Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, plus the Night Afore Disco Party and Night Afore Hoolie on 30 December. On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels with its all-night ceilidh, makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 50,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests Hot Chip (DJ set).
Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com
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