Credit: Cameron Brisbane 

50,000 REVELLERS RING IN THE BELLS UNDER THE ICONIC MIDNIGHT MOMENT FIREWORK DISPLAY 

HEADLINERS WET LEG JOINED BY HAMISH HAWK, 2MANYDJs, VALTOS AND MORE PERFORMING ACROSS THE CAPITAL AND BLAZING A TRAIL FOR SCOTLAND’S MUSIC SCENE  

IMAGES AVAILABLE HERE 

The world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay rang in 2026 in spectacular style tonight, with a sold-out Street Party and the headline Concert in the Gardens transforming the city centre into a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture, music and tradition, welcoming more than 50,000 revellers from around the world. 

Across the Old Town and New Town, partygoers enjoyed a diverse programme of live music, DJ sets, indoor ceilidhs and street performance. The hugely popular Tartan Zone was headlined by electro-trad sensations Valtos, who created a brand new rendition of Auld Lang Syne to be played out en masse at the Street Party this year, shining a light on Scotland’s outstanding up and coming trad talent. Valtos were joined by folk favourites The Poozies and world-class ceilidh outfit Bella McNab Dance Band, drawing impressive crowds throughout the evening as music fans partied the night away.  

After the bells, Valtos took to the stage for their second set and said: “That version of Auld Lang Syne you heard, that was us. 2026; let’s start the year with a dance!” 

At 9pm, crowds across the capital enjoyed a specially curated Scottish themed pyrotechnic display from Titanium Fireworks. Pipe bands, drummers and street performers entertained crowds throughout the Street Party in true Scottish style. 

For the highly anticipated Midnight Moment Fireworks, revellers enjoyed 6.5 minutes of spectacular fireworks designed by leading pyrotechnics Titanium and crowds sang to tracks from Scottish artists including Lewis Capaldi, Eurythmics and Simple Minds, which rang out across the city centre. 

Alongside the Street Party, Grammy Award-winning indie rockers Wet Leg headlined the iconic Concert in the Gardens, delivering an electrifying, high octane performance to crowds in West Princes Street Gardens underneath the stunning setting of Edinburgh Castle.  

Concert in the Gardens headliners Wet Leg said: “Thanks for this Edinburgh. It’s crazy to be invited to do this; this is so cool. Happy New Year!” 

Hosted by Scottish comedy legend Susie McCabe, Concert in the Gardens also featured a strong bill of Scottish talent. Glasgow’s Lucia & The Best Boys brought 80s-tinged alt-pop to the stage, with Lucia later joining Valtos at the Tartan Zone for a special collaborative moment celebrating Scotland’s contemporary music scene with a rendition of their new single ‘In the Night’. Edinburgh singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk warmed up the crowd with a captivating set, marking his biggest hometown show to date. 

Elsewhere, the Street Party’s DJ Zone delivered non-stop energy with a headline set from Belgian dance legends 2manydjs, as well as Glasgow DJ Hayley Zalassi, while the Silent Disco Zone on Waverley Bridge saw crowds dancing together to their own soundtrack beneath city lights. 

Unique Assembly Directors, who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “We’re hugely proud of this year's celebrations, marking the arrival of 2026 with the award-winning Wet Leg at the helm and a fantastic line-up of Scottish acts across the stages. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is truly back with a bang, and to return with so many sold-out events across the four day festival, shows just how much support there is from both locals and international visitors to celebrate in the capital. 

“It’s been wonderful to see tens of thousands of Street Party revellers return to Princes Street, dancing into the New Year, soundtracked by a Scottish themed fireworks display for our world-renowned Midnight Moment, culminating in a powerful, brand new rendition of Auld Lang Syne from Valtos. In a year where Scottish culture, sport and tradition has once again shone on the world stage, tonight’s celebrations highlighted our shared pride in our country, proving there’s no New Year party without Scotland.” 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Last night’s celebrations demonstrated exactly why Hogmanay in Edinburgh continues to attract visitors from across the globe year after year. With an exceptional programme, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and thousands of people coming together to celebrate safely and responsibly, it was a fantastic way to welcome 2026. 

“I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering the event, from organisers and artists to council teams, emergency services and volunteers, who once again helped make this an unforgettable night for our city.” 

The celebrations continue into New Year’s Day with First Footin’, the free music and events trail taking place across the city’s most beloved venues, from local pubs to grand cathedrals. The programme features the very best of Scottish music, including Valtos, Sean Shibe, Aidan O’Rourke, Tinderbox Orchestra, Kathryn Joseph, Rachel Sermanni and more.  

Sprogmanay returns to the National Museum of Scotland with a bumper afternoon of free family fun, and the return of the glittering Unicorn Dance Party, magic and live music. 

Portobello Town Hall is hosting an afternoon of free family ceilidhs before a sold-out evening event welcomes Michael Pederson and Shirley Manson’s Muckle be the Light, joined by special guests including former First Minister and best-selling author Nicola Sturgeon and songwriting legend Norman Blake for a special night of music, culture, books and conversation. The full First-Footin' Lineup can be found at https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.