Edinburgh’s Hogmanay First Footin’ programme will transform the capital into a free, city-wide music trail on New Year’s Day.
Flagship venue St Giles’ Cathedral hosts a carnival of sound on 1 January 2026, as Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra set up residence, joined by special guests Kathryn Joseph, James Emmanuel and Rachel Sermanni. The orchestra’s explosive combination of rappers, singers, strings and thundering drums, which has transfixed audiences at Latitude Festival, Celtic Connections, Hidden Door Festival and more, will fill the cathedral from 2–6pm, transforming the space into an unforgettable New Year’s Day celebration.
Meanwhile, Aidan O’Rourke will also perform as Lùban with Edinburgh’s Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe at Rainy Hall, delivering a spellbinding meeting of classical music and Scottish folk and the elegant Eve Edinburgh at Virgin Hotel welcomes classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi to a stunning line up of music with Justin Beverly and Theo Bleak. These performances form part of a wide-ranging programme of free live music events taking place in 18 venues across Edinburgh as part of First Footin’.
Further information, set times, tickets and details on how to watch the live streams are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Set times
St Giles Cathedral – Tinderbox Orchestra Presents
- Rachel Sermanni – 2pm
- James Emmanuel – 3pm
- Kathryn Joseph – 4pm
- Tinderbox Orchestra – 5pm
Greyfriars Kirk – Valtos presents
- Maren – 2pm
- Mikel Urdangarin – 3pm
- Olaia Inziarte – 4pm
- Valtos – 5pm
Greyfriars Hall, Virgin
- Quiet Houses – 2pm
- Her Picture – 3pm
- Goodnight Louisa – 4pm
- Slix – 5pm
EVE
- Justine Beverley – 2pm
- Theo Bleak – 3pm
- Chiara Lordi – 4pm
Leith Arches
- Sophie Penman – 2pm
- Tamzene – 3pm
- Scotstown Dance Band – 4pm
- High Fade – 5pm
Fruitmarket Warehouse
- Neil Landstrumm “Day Rave” Live Set with Jamie Cooper installation “Levelling Up” – 2pm-3pm, 4pm-5pm
Rainy Hall
- Luban – Aidan O’Rourke + Sean Shibe – 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
Gilded Saloon
- Cahalen Morrison – 2pm
- Rain of Animals – 3pm
- Cahalen Morrison & Rain of Animals Collaboration Set – 4pm
- Cahalen Morrison & Rain of Animals Collaboration Set – 5pm
Portobello Town Hall – Daytime
- The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience – Ceilidh – 1pm-2.30pm, 3pm-4.30pm
PortobelloTown Hall – Evening
- Muckle be The Light – Michael Pederson & Shirley Manson with special guest, Nicola Sturgeon – 6pm-8.30pm
The Scottish Cafe
- Logan’s Close – 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Cold Town House
- Pictish Trail (Solo) – 6.30pm and 7.45pm
- Good Vibes DJs – 6pm, 7.15pm and 8.30pm
Copper Blossom
- Alice Faye – 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
The Black Bull
- Acoustic Folk Session with Eamon Coyne and Tom Oakes – 6pm-9pm
Auld Hundred
- Acoustic Folk Session with Ciaran Ryan and Paul Godfray – 6pm-9pm
The Huxley
- Nikhita – 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
Boozy Cow
- Acoustic Folk Session with Robbie Greig & Sean Gray – 6pm-9pm
Element
- Acoustic Folk Session with Iain MacLeod and Fraser Fifield – 6pm-9pm
