Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – a four day celebration – will culminate in Muckle Be the Light: Manson, The Makar and Dreamers Beyond.
This event will be held at Portobello Town Hall on New Year’s Day with Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen, introducing Shirley Manson, Nicola Sturgeon and Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake in an evening of music and chat.
The “cultural salon” will be the final event in Unique Assembly’s four day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme which has both free and ticketed opportunities to see the old year out and the New Year in with style.
Michael Pedersen said: “’I can think of no more glorious a way to start the year than in the presence of Edinburgh’s primo cultural icon / all round extraordinary human / cherished friend, Shirley Manson.
“And what an epic year Shirley and Garbage have had – they delivered my album of 2025, and she’s my person of the year. Shirley also happens to be one of my favourite people to talk about books and art and life with – we’ll be brimming over with vocal zest.
“To be joined by one of the world’s finest songwriters, Norman Blake, and Scotland’s boldest new bestselling author, Nicola Sturgeon, is a level of dreamy beyond. Did I mention I went to high school ceilidhs in this town hall? What a quest to get here and return with reflections on my debut novel and first year as Edinburgh’s Makar. How’s about that for a first footing firework! Be warned: I’ll be swooning at them aw.”
And after the disappointing cancellation of outdoor events last year due to weather the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay team has added “robust contingency elements” to the programme this year with indoor venues such as St Giles’ Cathedral being used over three days. There will be an extended programme of events at Assembly Rooms, Sprogmanay at the National Museum of Scotland on New Year’s Day when everyone can pretend to be unicorns once more, outdoor entertainment in Princes Street Gardens
New Year’s Day – First Footin’ Trail
The free First Footin’ Trail takes place at various venues including at St Giles’ Cathedral on 1 January when Tinderbox Orchestra will bring rappers and singers together with strings, bass and drums. Sessions will be held throughout the afternoon from 2pm until 6pm featuring performances from James Emmanuel, Kathryn Joseph and Rachel Sermanni.
Sean Shibe, the Grammy nominated guitarist from Edinburgh, award-winning fiddle player and composer Aidan O’Rourke will play at Rainy Hall in New College on The Mound in a collaboration of classical music and Scottish folk.
Theo Bleak will perform at Eve in Virgin Hotels Edinburgh alone with other guests yet to be announced.
First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer will include live sessions in the Grassmarket and New Town.
Tickets for all events including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel are on-sale now via www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson 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.”
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.
“We’re welcoming 2026 with the return of our much-loved First Footin’ – a fantastic showcase of Scotland’s talent with performances taking place in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces.
“I’m delighted to welcome this year’s programme and encourage everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, to come along and start the year on a high.”
