The Scottish rock band Texas have been announced as the main headliner for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024. The band, formed in 1986, have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity following the release of their 10th studio album, Hi, in May of 2021. The album has become their highest-charting album in the UK since their 1999 album, The Hush. 

Texas are set to perform at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Scotland’s world-famous New Year celebration held in the capital cityIt is one of the largest and most iconic New Year’s Eve festivals globally, known for its mix of traditional Scottish customs, modern festivities, and strong sense of community.

The Hogmanay celebration itself has a rich history as it is deeply rooted in Scotland’s cultural traditions, with influences from ancient Norse customs, Celtic rituals, and Scottish folk celebrations. “Hogmanay” itself is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve, and it is traditionally marked by grand celebrations.

The Hogmanay was revitalised in the early 1990s and was turned into a larger-scale public festival that now attracts visitors from all over the world. Before this, the New Year celebrations were more intimate, but the city’s tourism board saw the potential for a large-scale event.

Key features of the celebration includes a torchlight procession through the streets of Edinburgh, as well as the centrepiece of Hogmanay; the street party held on December 31st. Taking place along Princes Street, one of the city’s main streets, the party attracts tens of thousands of people from around the world. There are multiple stages with live music performances, DJs, and entertainment, featuring both local and international artists.

Finally, there is the concert, headlined this year by Texas, which takes place in Princes Street Gardens, with the iconic Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop.

Texas, the Scottish alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Glasgow by Sharleen Spiteri (lead vocalist) and Johnny McElhone (bassist) are known widely for their hits, including Say What You Want, Summer Sun, and Inner Smile.

This will be the third time that the band are performing at Edinburgh’s famous New Year’s event, having first performed there back in 2000. They are the only band in the history of the event to play it three times.

Texas will be performing alongside the special guest, Edinburgh’s own singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, known for his emotive lyrics and powerful pop-rock sound. The event will be hosted by the returning comedian Susan McCabe.

As reported by NME, in response to their performance announcement, Spiteri stated: “We can’t wait to play here for a third time. So get on your glad rags and let’s party for the New Year.”

Directors of Unique Assembly, the creators and producers of Edinburgh Hogmanay, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Texas back to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 25 years after their very first appearance at the festival. With a hit-packed show from Texas and the world-famous Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle, the Concert in the Gardens will kick-start 2025 with a bang, and give party-goers from around the world the perfect start to the year.”

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday the 20th of September, and will be available for purchase here.