Making their Edinburgh’s Hogmanay debut and marking 20 years of seminal album Costello Music, The Fratellis headline a very special Night Afore Party beneath Edinburgh Castle!
One of Scotland’s most iconic live bands, The Fratellis burst onto the scene with their era-defining debut album Costello Music in September 2006, delivering anthemic hits including Chelsea Dagger, Whistle for the Choir and Henrietta. With an unmistakable energy and a feel-good live show, this is set to be an unforgettable night underneath Edinburgh Castle to kick-start 2026 Hogmanay celebrations. Plus very special guests to be announced.
"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" - The Fratellis
This event takes place in the City Centre, where most surfaces are standard roads, public paths or grass. As this event space is sloped, the general admission spaces are not wheelchair accessible. Please note the Night Afore Party is an all-standing event with no seating areas available, and it can become very busy.
We will have an Accessible Viewing Area within the event. Contact us on [email protected] for more information, please note that spaces are limited. A dedicated Accessible Entrance via Kings Stables Road will provide direct access to this viewing area. Gender neutral accessible toilets will be available behind the Accessible Viewing Platform.
Please check our Access Guide for more information.
All tickets for the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Celebrations are paperless e-tickets.
Your confirmation email contains a QR code with all tickets in your order. All tickets in your order will be validated upon scan, please make sure your whole party arrives together.
Please download your e-ticket to your digital device and have the QR code ready to be scanned on the night. Google and Apple wallet have been enabled to make this easier. Please be aware that internet access may be limited due to the large number of people in the area.
ENCLOSURE TICKETS: Exclusive premium standing viewing area directly in front of the concert stage, set beneath Edinburgh Castle.
GARDENS TICKETS: Standing viewing area surrounding the enclosure within the Night Afore Party arena beneath Edinburgh Castle.
PREMIUM AREA: Exclusive access to a designated Premium Viewing Platform overlooking the enclosure, set beneath Edinburgh Castle, offering an amazing view of the stage.
Concession, facilities located within the Premium Viewing Area for use by Premium Ticket Holders only.
Toilet facilities located within the Premium Viewing Area for use by Premium Ticket Holders.
There are three entrances to the Night Afore Party:
• East Gate – Princes Street (The Mound via the Floral Clock Gardens Gate)
• West Gate – Princes Street (West‑End into Princes St Gardens via West‑end Gardens Gate)
• Accessible Gate – Kings Stables Road (St Cuthberts Church into Princes St Gardens via Golden Gates)
- Anyone under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.
- No persons under 12 years of age are permitted at the Night Afore Party.
- No alcohol can be brought into the Night Afore Party; there are bar and food facilities available at the event.
- This event has a strict NO-DRONE policy.
- Please note, in the interests of safety, Event Organisers reserve the right to conduct security searches of bags and clothing on entry.
- Please arrive early. Late arrival may result in having to queue for entry.
- Specific entry gates may be closed temporarily throughout the event for safety reasons. You would be directed to your nearest entrance gate on arrival.
- Re-entry to the event is NOT permitted (i.e. leaving the Night Afore Party arena and then trying to regain admittance).
- This is an outdoor event taking place in winter in Scotland. Please dress accordingly and note that we operate a no-umbrellas policy for safety reasons and to ensure sightlines of other people. We will provide weather updates across all four days of events and be prepared for all weather eventualities.
- Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events are enormously popular, always attract lively crowds with a great atmosphere and are also incredibly safe. We work closely with the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland and other emergency services and have Ticketing teams, security officers and event stewards as well as medical teams and welfare staff to assist you should you need it. But please remember, you can also do your bit to make sure we all have a happy and safe New Year.
- In the interests of safety, Event Organisers reserve the right to conduct security searches of bags and clothing on entry
- Avoid bringing any bags larger than a sheet of A3 paper (297mm x 420mm).
- Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Night Afore Party is a busy event with temporary structures and animation which can change the “normal” streetscape, please look after each other and arrange a meeting point in case you become separated.
- Please note any part of the arena may be closed temporarily throughout the event for safety reasons. There is plenty of space across the arena and event stewards are on duty to assist.
- Do listen out for announcements and follow any instructions given out – they are for your benefit
Please note the following list of prohibited items which will not be permitted at the event for safety:
- No Glass of any kind
- This event has a strict NO-DRONE policy.
- No Flares or Smoke Canisters
- No Chinese Lanterns
- No portable laser equipment or pens
- No pyrotechnics/fireworks (we have more than enough for everyone to enjoy)
- No Umbrellas
- No bags larger than a sheet of A3 paper (297mm x 420mm)
- No Dogs or Animals (except registered assistance dogs)
- No unauthorised professional film or camera equipment. Cameras for personal use are welcome.