The Hearts No.1 was joined by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad as they officially ignited four days of New Year celebrations in the city.
Scotland keeper Craig Gordon kicked off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations as the iconic Torchlight Procession took place in the capital on Monday night.
Fresh from an exhilarating year that saw us qualify for next year’s World Cup in North America, Gordon’s appearance at the helm of the procession in his hometown marked a powerful moment of national pride as 2025 draws to a close.
The Hearts No.1 was joined by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad as they officially ignited four days of New Year celebrations in the city.
The Torchlight Procession is rooted in Celtic and Norse traditions aimed at banishing winter darkness and welcoming in the New Year and it marks the start of the world’s celebrations, with festivities running until January 1.
Over 15,000 participants and 10,000 spectators took part in the spectacular event, following Gordon’s lead and weaving a dramatic river of fire through the historic Old Town.
The party began in the Meadows, where participants of all ages enjoyed a host of entertainment including live street theatre, pipe bands and drummers.
It then finished with a fiery finale beneath Edinburgh Castle before revellers headed to the official after party at Assembly Rooms, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway, for a night of live music and DJs.
On Tuesday, December 30, Assembly Rooms hosts a night of comedy at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, and an acoustic gig from Glasvegas, while Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert in West Princes Street Gardens.
Then, on December 31, Wet Leg headline the iconic Concert in the Gardens, supported by Scottish stars Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys, with 2manydjs and Valtos bringing the beats at the legendary Street Party alongside a traditional Scottish stage.
New Years Day will welcome First Footin’, the free, live music trail spanning the city’s Old and New Towns, as well as Muckle be the Light, a cultural recap with poet Michael Pederson, Garbage singer Shirley Manson and guest speaker, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Many events are already sold-out and those looking to join the celebrations are advised to grab their tickets fast.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is 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.
The Torchlight Procession event took place in support of local and national charities, One City Trust, When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. £2 from each torch and £1 from every procession ticket sold is donated directly, aiming to make a difference in communities across Edinburgh and Scotland.
Along with other ticket donations from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events, the festival has already raised over £40,000 for the local charities and will continue to fundraise over the coming days.
The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay line-up, as well tickets and set times, can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
