Producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, today announced a feast of spectacular events taking place across the 4-day festival, including the return of the iconic Torchlight Procession to welcome the arrival of 2027. Plus, new for 2026, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will present a programme of music, comedy and events in McEwan Hall including Scots trad stars Blazin’ Fiddles, Julie Fowlis and Karen Matheson, as well as the return of ‘Muckle Be The Light’ with Michael Pedersen welcoming Charlotte Church, Gordon Buchanan and more for a special in-conversation and music New Year’s Day event.

Torchlight Procession plus Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival Club shows at McEwan Hall on sale from 12pm Friday 9 October – via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

On Tuesday 29 December, the Torchlight Procession, supported by presenting partner VisitScotland, will once again light up the capital to kick start New Year celebrations around the world, whilst raising over £25,000 for charity. An annual sell-out which welcomes 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators to Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, £2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly to the charities making a difference across Edinburgh and Scotland, this year including: One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie & Street Assist.

Renowned for kicking off New Year celebrations around the world, the Torchlight Procession supported by presenting partner VisitScotland, marks the start of four days of festivities in Scotland as a river of fire is weaved through Edinburgh, with torches carried by residents and tourists alike. Gathering in The Meadows, guests will enjoy a host of entertainment from live street theatre to fire performers and drummers and music, with Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad Vikings and pipe bands guiding the crowds throughout the city.

“The Torchlight Procession is such a special event, and we’re thrilled to support it once again. Hogmanay is a defining moment in Edinburgh’s winter calendar, bringing communities and visitors together to celebrate the new year while showcasing the city’s rich culture and traditions.

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay forms part of a wider portfolio of events and festivals aimed to attract visitors across the winter season, helping to support Scotland’s development as a year-round destination.” - Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland

“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.” - Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener

Plus, new for 2026’s celebrations, Edinburgh venue McEwan Hall will transform into the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club to host a range of live Scottish music, comedy, ceilidh and in-conversation events across the festival. The iconic Old Town venue will host celebrations including a new Torchlight Procession Opening Event on 29 December, featuring a showcase of Scotland: award-winning Scottish fiddle band Blazin’ Fiddles, Pipe Bands, and the South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Vikings warming-up audiences ahead of the Procession.

Following the Torchlight Procession revellers can return to McEwan Hall for a rousing Opening Night Concert where Blazin’ Fiddles host very special guest Karen Matheson; lead singer of Capercaillie and one of Scotland’s foremost Gaelic singers, who will join the fiddle band for a storming night of music.

On Wednesday 30 December at McEwan Hall, multi-award-winning singer and musician Julie Fowlis will be visiting Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, alongside a sensational band comprising Éamon Doorley, Michael McGoldrick, Tony Byrne and Duncan Chisholm. 2026 has seen Julie celebrate 25 years as a professional musician, and look back on 21 years since her first album Mar a Tha Mo Chridhe (As My Heart Is). Deeply influenced by her upbringing in the Hebrides and Highlands, Julie has become one of Scotland’s most celebrated cultural voices.

‘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!’ - Julie Fowlis

Closing the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations in McEwan Hall is the return of last year’s sell-out event ‘Muckle Be The Light’ on New Year’s Day. Join Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate) Michael Pedersen and an all-star cast of guests for a cultural chat show come performance extravaganza. This lustrous mix includes: multi-million selling musical artist, activist, Welsh icon, and steward of the land, Charlotte Church. Plus double Sunday times bestselling author and poetry superstar, Hollie McNish. With a serving of wildlife royalty, care of prize-winning TV presenter and camera man extraordinaire, Gordon Buchanan MBE. Expect an exceptional evening of blether, songs & brawness to start 2027.

In addition to the Torchlight Procession, Edinburgh's Hogmanay will host The Fratellis and special guests at the Night Afore Party on 30 December in West Princes Street Gardens. 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 on 31 December, 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.

Produced by Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay culminates on New Year’s Day with a free and ticketed programme of music across the city at First Footin’. Amidst the celebrations are outdoor concerts, indoor ceilidhs, comedy shows and traditional Scottish celebrations for kids and families.

Tickets for Torchlight Procession priced from £22 including torches, booking fees and charity donation, Hogmanay Festival Club @ McEwan Hall tickets priced from £27.50 including booking fees and Muckle Be The Light priced from £27.50 including booking fees - available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com from Friday 9 October.

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