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Underworld to headline Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations

News imageGetty Images Karl Hyde of Underworld performing. He has short, blond hair and is wearing a checked jacket. There are green lights illuminating the back of the stageGetty Images
Underworld have been announced as headliners of Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Dance act Underworld have been announced as the headliners of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.

The duo, made-up of Rick Smith and Karl Hyde, will provide the soundtrack to the annual fireworks show to bring in the new year from Edinburgh Castle, marking the first time the display is set to live music.

Their performance at Princes Street Gardens will also Born Slippy – celebrating 30 years since the track featured in the 1996 film version of Irvine Welsh's novel, Trainspotting.

Organisers Unique Assembly confirmed the Torchlight Procession and Night Afore events will also return for the 2026/27 festival, alongside the Hogmanay Street Party.

The performance will be Underworld's only Scottish date in 2026.

They follow in the footsteps of Wet Leg and Pulp, who have headlined the event in recent years.

Other acts for the Night Afore concert are yet to be announced.

Born Slippy originally featured as a B-side on a 1995 release by the duo.

It was only released as a single after being used in Danny Boyle's film adaptation of the book the following year.

The track reached number two in the UK charts and was later held up as one of the defining sounds of the 1990s.

A spokesperson for Unique Assembly said: "In a summer when Scotland has once again shown the world how to party, we can't wait to ring in the New Year with friends from around the world at the home of Hogmanay.

"Underworld have soundtracked 30 years of iconic Scottish moments, and to experience Born Slippy live in the heart of Edinburgh is going to be an unforgettable moment for everyone."

News imageGetty Images A large luminous sign saying the word 'Edinburgh' in front of a huge Ferris Wheel lit up in blue and white.Getty Images
The Edinburgh Winter Festival takes over the city every year

More than 115,000 people visited the four-day Hogmanay festival in Edinburgh last year, Unique Assembly said.

An estimated 100,000 of them attended the street party and concert in Princes Street Gardens.

That came after the 2024 edition was cancelled due to concerns over weather conditions.

Figures released by the organisers in May showed the Christmas and Hogmanay events were worth about £241m to the city's economy.

City of Edinburgh Council's culture convener, Margaret Graham, said: "We're delighted to be welcoming Underworld to Edinburgh for what promises to be a very special headline performance.

"I'm sure it will be the perfect way to kick off 2027 and create unforgettable memories for those joining us to celebrate."