GLASGOW BAND WILL MARK 20 YEARS SINCE THEIR DEBUT ALBUM AS PART OF CAPITAL’S NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced Scots rockers The Fratellis as headliners of 2026’s Night Afore Party in West Princes Street Gardens on 30 December. Revellers from around the world can enjoy an electric night of live Scottish music as the rock trio perform some of their biggest and best hits. 

Headlining the Night Afore Party marks The Fratellis’ Edinburgh’s Hogmanay debut and will also see the Glasgow band celebrate 20 years since the release of their debut album ‘Costello Music’ in 2006, with huge hits like ‘Chelsea Dagger’, ‘Henrietta’ and ‘Whistle for the Choir’ continuing to garner new generations of Fratellis fans. The Fratellis will be joined by some very special guests to kick-start celebrations at the world-famous ‘Home of Hogmanay’.  

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Night Afore Party on sale from 10am, 11 September – via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Fratellis will kick off musical proceedings for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the night before dance legends Underworld take to the stage on 31 December to ring in the New Year with a live soundtracked Midnight Moment of light, projections and fireworks, set to iconic dance anthem ‘Born Slippy (Nuxx)’ at this year’s Hogmanay in the Gardens. 

Since releasing their landmark debut album in 2006, The Fratellis went on to tour the world, picking up a BRIT Award along the way and selling over 1 million copies of ‘Costello Music’.  Having reformed in 2012, the trio have gone on to release five more albums including 2021’s ‘Half Drunk Under A Full Moon’, with raucous live performances at festivals across the UK in recent years including Glastonbury and TRNSMT. The band’s indie rock bangers will ensure a buoyant start to New Year partying in the Capital as they take to the stage in West Princes Street Gardens to entertain music fans from around the world.  

The Fratellis said: "It's such an honour & privilege to be asked to perform at this year's Hogmanay celebrations in a city that we hold so close to our hearts!”  

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “What a brilliant way to kick off Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay celebrations, with one of Scotland’s best-known artists taking to the stage. 

“Edinburgh has a long tradition of putting on world-class Hogmanay celebrations, and this year’s Night Afore concert looks set to be another special occasion. I’m sure it’ll be a memorable night for audiences in Edinburgh!” 

The Fratellis Night Afore Party on 30 December is part of four days of celebrations in Scotland’s capital with Underworld previously announced to headline Hogmanay in the Gardens on 31 December. In a first for the ‘Home of Hogmanay’, a special Midnight Moment will be designed to a live soundtrack by Underworld from West Princes Street Gardens, featuring the world-famous fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, spectacular lights and projections to create an unmissable moment for 50,000 partygoers as they welcome in the New Year.