Monday January 5th 2026
Edinburgh Castle moments before the firework display.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay rang in 2026 in style woith a sold-out street party and a headline concert in Princes Street Gardens. that transformed the city centre into a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture, music and tradition.
After 2024’s celebrations being cancelled due to weather, 2025’s celebration attracted more than 50,000 people from around the world.
Across Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, partygoers could enjoy a diverse programme of live music, DJ sets, indoor ceilidhs and street performances. The popular Tartan Zone was headlined by electro-trad sensations Valtos, who created a new rendition of Auld Land Syne. The band were joined by folk favourites The Poozies and world-class ceilidh outfit Bella McNab Dance Band, drawing impressive crowds throughout the evening.
After the bells, Valtos took to the stage for their second set, calling out to the crowd: “That version of Auld Lang Syne you heard, that was us. 2026; let’s start the year with a dance.”
At 9pm, crowds across Edinburgh enjoyed a specially curated Scottish themed pyrotechnic display. Pipe bands, drummers and street performers entertained crowds throughout the Street Party.
For the highly anticipated Midnight Moment Fireworks, revellers were given 6.5 minutes of fireworks designed by leading pyrotechnics Titanium.
Alongside the street party, Grammy Award-winning indie rockers Wet Leg headlined the iconic Concert in the Gardens, delivering a high-class performance in West Princess Street Gardens underneath the castle.
Concert in the Gardens headliners Wet Leg said: “Thanks for this Edinburgh. It’s crazy to be invited to do this; this is so cool. Happy New Year!”
Hosted by Scottish comedy legend Susie McCabe, Concert in the Gardens also featured a strong bill of Scottish talent. Glasgow’s Lucia & The Best Boys brought 80s-tinged alt-pop to the stage, with Lucia later joining Valtos at the Tartan Zone for a special collaborative moment celebrating Scotland’s contemporary music scene with a rendition of their new single ‘In the Night’. Edinburgh singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk warmed up the crowd with a captivating set, marking his biggest hometown show to date.
Elsewhere, the Street Party’s DJ Zone delivered non-stop energy with a headline set from Belgian dance legends 2manydjs, as well as Glasgow DJ Hayley Zalassi, while the Silent Disco Zone on Waverley Bridge saw crowds dancing together to their own soundtrack beneath city lights.
Unique Assembly Directors, who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said:
“We’re hugely proud of this year’s celebrations, marking the arrival of 2026 with the award-winning Wet Leg at the helm and a fantastic line-up of Scottish acts across the stages. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is truly back with a bang, and to return with so many sold-out events across the four day festival, shows just how much support there is from both locals and international visitors to celebrate in the capital.
“It’s been wonderful to see tens of thousands of Street Party revellers return to Princes Street, dancing into the New Year, soundtracked by a Scottish themed fireworks display for our world-renowned Midnight Moment, culminating in a powerful, brand new rendition of Auld Lang Syne from Valtos. In a year where Scottish culture, sport and tradition has once again shone on the world stage, tonight’s celebrations highlighted our shared pride in our country, proving there’s no New Year party without Scotland.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
“Last night’s celebrations demonstrated exactly why Hogmanay in Edinburgh continues to attract visitors from across the globe year after year. With an exceptional programme, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and thousands of people coming together to celebrate safely and responsibly, it was a fantastic way to welcome 2026.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering the event, from organisers and artists to council teams, emergency services and volunteers, who once again helped make this an unforgettable night for our city.”
The celebrations continued into New Year’s Day with First Footin’, the free music and events trail that took place across the city’s beloved venues, from local pubs to grand cathedrals. The programme featured the very best of Scottish music, including Valtos, Sean Shibe, Aidan O’Rourke, Tinderbox Orchestra, Kathryn Joseph, Rachel Sermanni and more.
Alongside this, Sprogmannay returned on the 1st at the National Museum, offering free family fun, and Portobello Town Hall hosted an afternoon of free family ceildhs befiore fomer First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and songwriter Norman Blake took the stage for a sold-out special night of music, culture and conversation.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 was supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
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