As thousands of Edinburgh music fans get set to welcome in 2024 by watching Britpop stars Pulp headline the Hogmanay Concert at Princes Street Gardens, we’ve taken a look back at some of the best performances over the years.
Homegrown talent to perform at the country’s biggest Hogmanay party in the past 30 years include Primal Scream, KT Tunstall, The Proclaimers, Franz Ferdinand, Texas, and Paisley singer Paolo Nutini who has headlined in the Gardens twice. While talent from around the world including Blondie, Madness, Kasabian, Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters have also performed at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Britpop heroes Ocean Colour Scene famously played to an estimated 400,000 people on an incredible night in 1996, which saw tickets introduced for the future annual celebrations to restrict numbers and avoid crushing on Princes Street.
1. Ocean Colour Scene
Britpop Birmingham indie rockers Ocean Colour Scene played to an estimated incredible 400,000 in the city centre from a small stage at the Mound at Hogmanay in 1996, the last year the event was ticketless and without crowd restrictions. Photo: Unknown
2. Kasabian
Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan on the Princes Street Gardens stage at Edinburgh Hogmanay 2008 with special guest Noel Gallagher from Oasis. Photo: Kenny Smith
3. Madness
Ska legends Madness brought in the bells on Hogmanay in 2009 under Edinburgh Castle, with hits including Our House and Baggy Trousers. Photo: CHRIS WATT
4. K T Tunstall
K T Tunstall Playing at The Edinburgh Hogmanay New Year's Day Resolution Concert in 2005. Photo: Lloyd Smith