First Footin': Free gigs to help Scots kick off 2025 on New Year's Day in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced its line-up for a number of free events across the city to kick off 2025.

Artists throughout the city will perform gigs and shows on New Year’s Day as part of a programme of live events, including First Footin’ and Sprogmanay.

Renowned folk artist Karine Polwart is calling out for 200 participants to join a community choir for performances at St Giles’ Cathedral.

First Footin’ invites audiences to explore the city through live music honouring Hogmanay traditions as part of a four-day festival.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay announces choir callout from Karine Polwart for First Footin'. — Edinburgh’s Hogmanay announces choir callout from Karine Polwart for First Footin’. Supplied

Events will take place across the city from 2pm – 8pm on New Year’s Day, with a full line-up of artists and venues and a festival trail map to be released in early December.

Polwart said: “Singing in the New Year is such a massive communal tradition here in Scotland that opening the doors of St Giles’ Cathedral to 200 community voices just seemed obvious.

“It’s a glorious space designed for song. I hope our invitation to ‘Come Away In’ captures a spirit of hospitality, sanctuary, and togetherness – things that need looking after in these times.”

No formal music skills are required and participants can register for free to join the choir from midday on Thursday, November 14 at edinburghshogmanay.com.

The cabinet secretary for constitution, external affairs and culture Angus Robertson said: “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way to kick start 2025 with fun for all ages and all interests.

“We’re delighted to again be supporting this year’s celebrations with £100,000 from our Festival Expo Fund.

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved both at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.”

The Fruitmarket Gallery will also host an afternoon of classical music, with solo and duet performances for viola and cello, performed by Canadian cellist Christian Elliott and Fiona Winning.

A new venue will host live performances at Leith Arches with contemporary music from Glaswegian jazz group Mama Terra, Edinburgh rock band Low Tide, and Loch Lomond singer-songwriter Liv Dawn.

Portobello Town Hall will host a free family ceilidh with Bella McNab’s Dance Band and a community street band called Shunpike Social Club.

First Footin’ is created and produced by Unique Assembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund through Creative Scotland, and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.

Unique Assembly said: “We’re thrilled to unveil another fantastic First Footin’ line-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay this year.

“New Year’s Day in the city has become a wonderful experience, welcoming audiences to shake off the night afore and discover a wealth of talent from across Scotland and beyond.

“Inviting people to become part of the show with Karine Polwart’s community choir in St. Giles’ will be an incredible experience for all and the best start to 2025.”

Culture and communities convener councillor Val Walker said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is once again set to be a spectacular celebration, with events taking place across the city from St. Giles’ Cathedral and Assembly Rooms to Leith Arches and Portobello Town Hall.

“I’m excited to see Edinburgh continue to shine as the place to welcome in the New Year.”

On Hogmanay, Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host around 55,000 party goers at the world-famous street party.

The Concert in the Gardens Hogmanay show will welcome Texas for a 35th anniversary greatest hits show joined by special guest Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie.

Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay four-day celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com.