Producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced the return of the Torchlight Procession and a new live events programme at McEwan Hall for the city’s upcoming New Year celebrations.
The four-day festival kicks off on 29 December with 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators expected to gather for a river of fire through the capital’s historic Old Town.
For the first time, McEwan Hall will operate as the official Hogmanay Festival Club, hosting a schedule of traditional Scottish music, comedy, ceilidhs, and conversation events.
The wider festival is expected to attract 50,000 partygoers to the city centre, with events designed to raise over £25,000 for a selection of Scottish charities.
The Torchlight Procession will begin at The Meadows, where attendees will be met with live street theatre, fire performers, and drummers.
Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad Vikings and traditional pipe bands will then guide the crowds through the city streets.
Organisers have confirmed they will donate £2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket directly to local causes.
This year’s beneficiaries include the One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie, and Street Assist.
Following the procession, the focus will move to McEwan Hall for an opening night concert led by Scottish fiddle band Blazin’ Fiddles.
They will be joined by guest vocalist Karen Matheson, the lead singer of Capercaillie, for the evening performance.
On December 30, the venue will host a headline show from singer and musician Julie Fowlis alongside her band.
The lineup features musicians Éamon Doorley, Michael McGoldrick, Tony Byrne, and Duncan Chisholm.
The performance coincides with Fowlis marking 25 years as a professional musician and 21 years since the release of her debut album, Mar a Tha Mo Chridhe.
Julie Fowlis 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!”
On New Year’s Day, McEwan Hall will present ‘Muckle Be The Light’, an event led by Edinburgh’s Makar, Michael Pedersen.
The cultural chat show will feature a roster of guests including musical artist Charlotte Church, bestselling author Hollie McNish, and wildlife television presenter Gordon Buchanan.
Beyond the new McEwan Hall schedule, the established Night Afore Party will return to West Princes Street Gardens on December 30, headlined by The Fratellis.
The following night, electronic music group Underworld will provide a live soundtrack for the midnight moment in the gardens.
This performance will accompany the traditional fireworks display launched from Edinburgh Castle to mark the start of the new year.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, 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.
“It also raised vital funds for four wonderful charities and has become a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike. I’m sure it will once again be a great way to star Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.”
The festival will conclude on 1 January with the First Footin’ programme, offering a mix of free and ticketed music events, indoor ceilidhs, and family activities across Edinburgh.
Produced by Unique Assembly, the festival is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund, Creative Scotland, and VisitScotland.
Tickets for the Torchlight Procession start at £22, while events at McEwan Hall are priced from £27.50, and access to Hogmanay in the Gardens begins at £79.
