VALTOS TO HOST BASQUE ARTISTS AS PART OF FIRST FOOTIN’ PROGRAMME  

PLUS, FULL MUSIC LINEUP REVEALED FOR FREE NEW YEAR’S DAY EVENT 
 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill. The announcement finalises a vibrant citywide celebration on 1 January, with homegrown talent and visiting artists transforming the Capital into a free, open-air music trail.

For the first time, Scottish electronic-trad sensations Valtos will host a musical and cultural exchange with acclaimed Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte at Greyfriars Kirk, as part of a new international partnership between Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Fair Saturday Foundation, supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland. This new partnership with Fair Saturday Foundation welcomes the first international artists to perform as part of the First Footin’ programme, and provides a platform to raise the profile of Scottish artists to international audiences.  

The new collaboration celebrates the creative ties between Scotland and the Basque Country – two regions with strong cultural identities and deep musical traditions. The partnership began this autumn, when Valtos performed in Bilbao at the Fair Saturday Foundation’s Ura Bere Bidean festival at Bizkaia Arena on 24–25 October. They opened each night of the event, performing to sold out audiences of over 20,000 across both dates.  

On New Year’s Day, Valtos will host an afternoon of spectacular live music and collaboration at Greyfriars Kirk from 2pm - 6pm, welcoming all three Basque artists to the stage. Music fans can enjoy the meeting of two rich musical cultures within one of Edinburgh’s most historic venues.

Maren brings a blend of minimalism, psychedelia and roots influences, using the universal language of music to connect with audiences of all backgrounds. She will perform alongside Navarre-born Olaia Inziarte, who fuses traditional and avant-garde sounds for her striking “dark pop” style. Rounding out the programme is acclaimed Basque musician Mikel Urdangarin, with a special performance marking 25 years of his influential career. Together, the artists are set to spotlight the richness of contemporary Basque music.

Martyn Macdonald of Valtos said, "We were absolutely delighted to be asked by Edinburgh's Hogmanay to return to Greyfriars Kirk for First Footin' on the 1st January 2026.  The event was one of our highlights last year and we’re excited to be bringing the full band this time. It’s an iconic venue and to be able to share it with, and showcase it to, our new friends from Bilbao makes us extremely proud, and we hope they love Edinburgh as much as we do.”

Maren said, “I’m really excited to travel to Edinburgh to perform for the first time! It’s wonderful to connect our cultures through music, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with these amazing artists. I’m sure it will be a very special experience.”

Also announced today, and expanding the First Footin’ programme with both Scottish and international talent, are: 

• Wide Days Presents brings a showcase of homegrown voices to Virgin Hotel’s Greyfriars Hall, featuring indie Edinburgh-born indie-folk duo Quiet Houses, three-piece alt-rock outfit Her Picture, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Goodnight Louisa and energetic Gourock six-piece Slix.
• Leith Arches welcomes a wave of soul and funk sounds as homegrown High Fade are set to deliver a groove-driven set, joined by Highlands singer-songwriter Tamzene, whose music blends soul, funk, R&B and reggae.
• Fruitmarket Gallery hosts an atmospheric Day Rave led by electronic trailblazer Neil Landstrumm, set within the immersive sculptural world of artist Jamie Cooper’s Levelling Up installation.
• Brand new venue Gilded Saloon is set to host an afternoon session from acclaimed Americana songwriter Cahalen Morrison and award-winning Australian folk duo Rain of Animals. The two acts will come together later in the day to perform a unique collaboration set.
• Also at Leith Arches, Scotstown Dance Band will bring their modern take on traditional folk to audiences in search of a Scottish party.
• The Scottish Cafe will set the stage for an acoustic performance from indie duo Logan’s Close.
• The elegant Eve Edinburgh at Virgin Hotel welcomes classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi to an already stunning line up of music from Justin Beverly and Theo Bleak
• At Portobello Town Hall, families can kick-start 2026 with a lively afternoon of ceilidhs led by The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, with free sessions running throughout the afternoon.  
• Previously announced, St Giles’ Cathedral, will host a carnival of sound as Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra set up residence, joined by special guests Kathryn Joseph, James Emmanuel and Rachel Sermanni throughout the day. The orchestra’s explosive combination of rappers, singers, strings and thundering drums will fill the cathedral from 2–6pm, transforming the space into an unforgettable New Year’s Day celebration.
• Plus, a spellbinding collaboration between Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddler Aidan O’Rourke continues the party at New College’s Rainy Hall. 

Made possible with funding from the Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, First Footin’ transforms some of Edinburgh’s most beloved venues on 1 January into a citywide celebration of music, words and community – with a line-up of free events inviting audiences to start the year with some of the country’s best musical talent.

Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, said: “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way for people of all ages and interests to ring in the New Year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.
The Scottish Government is therefore proud to continue our support with £180,000 for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay from our Festival Expo Fund, which aims to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.”

Jordi Albareda, Founder & President of Fair Saturday Foundation said: ‘We are so proud to collaborate with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on this new cultural partnership, bringing a taste of the Basque Country to Edinburgh with some incredible artists performing alongside Valtos for the people of Scotland. The Basque Country has long had strong links to Scotland, and to further connect our passion for music and creativity at this world-famous festival, is the beginning of a something special."

With performances spanning music, spoken word, and family events, First Footin’ 2026 invites audiences to cross the threshold into a new year surrounded by creativity, friendship, and shared celebration, from the streets of Grassmarket to the atmospheric spaces of St Giles’ and Greyfriars Kirk.

Tickets for all events, including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession, and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel, as well as further event information and times, are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com