We’re delighted to reveal a stellar line-up of live music events taking place across Scotland’s capital throughout 2024/2025’s New Year festivities! This eclectic programme of events presents indie rock legends, contemporary Scottish bands and DJ’s, alongside classical recitals and foot stompin’ ceilidh chaos. 

Taking place from 30 December until New Year’s Day, this feast of some of Scotland’s best musicians will perform in landmark venues across the Capital. Featuring the spectacular St. Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh’s famous Assembly Rooms. For the first time, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will host live music events outside the city centre, branching out to Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches on 1 January, welcoming in the New Year with some outstanding live music. 

Edinburgh’s own Idlewild will headline a very special Night Afore Concert at the Assembly Rooms on Monday 30 December. The indie-rock legends formed in Edinburgh back in 1995 and with nine acclaimed albums to their name, the show promises a set of anthemic classics as the band enter their 30^th anniversary year as a mainstay of Scottish music. Frontman Roddy Woomble will lead the line-up in a set which will showcase why they are one of Scotland’s very best exports, joined by special guests to be announced.  

“We’re excited to be joining the Hogmanay celebrations in the band’s home of Edinburgh & getting the party started early!” - Roddy Woomble, Idlewild 

On New Year’s Day, take a trip to the seaside, where Edinburgh’s Hogmanay keeps the party going with a welcome boost of VITAMIN C at Portobello Town Hall. The Vitamin C club night hosted by Vic Galloway (BBC Radio Scotland) and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), will kick-start 2025 with a night of rock’n’roll, cosmic disco, soul and everything in between, including full band live sets from alt-rock legends The Vaselines, the infectious indie-pop rhythms of Glasgow’s Sacred Paws, and a night of dancefloor classics with DJ sets from Django Django’s Dave Maclean, and Vic Galloway & Andy Wake themselves. 

“Andy and I have been spinning the 'platters that matter' and hosting our VITAMIN C nights since the start of 2023, but it's a real thrill for us to put on our biggest night yet in Porty Town Hall as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay. It's a brilliant venue and promises to be the very best way to start 2025, with alternative legends The Vaselines headlining, joyous support from Sacred Paws, and a party DJ set from Django Django. Shake off the night before, and indeed the year before, with a proper Porty knees-up and some fun, festival vibes by the sea. See you down the front!” - Vic Galloway, DJ & Vitamin C host 

“The Vaselines are chuffed and excited to be starting 2025 with a gig as part of the Vitamin C Club at the fantastic Portobello Town Hall. It'll be our first visit to Portobello and to play in such a beautiful venue which has become beacon for local arts and culture will be a New Year's Day thrill. See you on the beach!” - Eugene Kelly, The Vaselines 

And that's not all! Don’t miss the FREE Family Ceilidh taking place in Portobello Town Hall throughout the afternoon, with Bella McNab’s Dance Band providing the dancing tunes, and a special performance from Edinburgh community Street Band collective Oi Musica! 

Continue the party into the wee hours at our New Year’s Day Club Night in the Leith Arches. Headlined by Scottish DJ and Producer Hayley Zalassi prepare for all things House at the Arches with her euphoric set guaranteed to have music fans dancing their way into 2025! Joined by an all-female line-up featuring Edinburgh’s own SWATT Team and Disco T*ts, it'll be a New Year’s Day to remember for those with a shared love of house and old skool tunes! 

Following a sell-out event in 2023, the New Year’s Revels returns to the Assembly Rooms, this time with a ‘Maximum Ceilidh Edition’, ensuring partygoers bring in the bells in style on Tuesday 31 December. With more live ceilidh bands than ever before across two dancefloors, guests can birl’ through the bells straight into 2025 with high-energy tunes all night long from Jimi Shandrix Experience, Bella McNab’s Dance Band, Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut and Bodhran Bodhran.  

The Bairns New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms makes sure that little ones don’t miss out on the Hogmanay fun, with an afternoon event of ceilidh dancing and live music for all the family. Expert callers make sure that everyone can learn some moves and join in the fun. 

Plus, for a festive yet tranquil way to begin the New Year, the Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral will once again host a very special evening, as the St. Giles' Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St. Giles' Camerata leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a stunning array of talented young soloists. This year’s concert on Tuesday 31 December will mark the concluding three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Bach at his most exuberant in a stunning, atmospheric setting, as the beloved Cathedral celebrates its 900^th anniversary. 

"Edinburgh's Hogmanay is once again set to be a spectacular celebration, with events taking place across the city from St. Giles’ Cathedral and Assembly Rooms to Leith Arches and Portobello Town Hall. This diverse programme promises to be an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike, featuring live music, ceilidh dancing, and breathtaking views of the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. I’m excited to see Edinburgh continue to shine as the place to welcome in the New Year!” - Val Walker , Culture and Communities Convener  

Tickets are on sale now via 

www.edinburghshogmanay.com