First Footin’ is a FREE unticketed live music trail, which in 2024/25 welcomed over 15,000 visitors to explore landmark buildings and historic venues throughout the city, discovering new experiences on New Year’s Day with a feast of live music and performance by artists from across Scotland and beyond.
First Footin’ & Sprogmanay is supported by the Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund, which in 2025 presented 44 acts, featuring 298 performers from the world of Trad, Indie, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Classical and more.
Previous artists who have performed at First Footin’ include Lau & Kathryn Joseph, Callum Beattie, Hot Chip, Fergus McCreadie, Dead Pony, Mama Terra, Withered Hand, Stina Marie-Claire, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, Bee Asha, Siobhan Wilson and many, many more…
As part of First Footin’ 2025 ‘Come Away In’ was a commissioned project with renowned folk artist Karine Polwart welcomed 150 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances on New Year’s Day at St. Giles’ Cathedral. The event received huge acclaim from both audiences and media, capturing the communal spirit of hope and friendship for the year ahead.
‘Singing in the New Year is such a massive communal tradition here in Scotland that opening the doors of St. Giles’ to 150 community voices just seemed obvious. It is a glorious space designed for song. I hope our invitation to ‘Come Away In’ captures the spirit of hospitality, sanctuary and togetherness – things that need looking after in these times.’ Karine Polwart
‘This was a powerful & important & impactful experience. One of the best things I’ve ever done! As a hard of hearing person who’s never sang in a community choir, it was initially somewhat nerve wracking/ terrifying! but Immediately I felt Joy surge through me from the organisation of the event, to the choir members & the incredible choir director in Stephen & Karine & her fellow musicians. Come Away In Choir Member
‘The impact of this event led me to feel brave enough to join the Back of the winter choir… A few months on & the memory still burns brightly & makes my heart smile!’ Come Away In Choir Member
You can find out more about First Footin’ artists and news for this year’s event by joining our official Instagram channel
Previous Artists
