Catch the iconic Jules Holland’s Hootenanny on December 31 at 11:30pm on BBC Two, featuring an exciting lineup of performances including The Boomtown Rats, CMAT, JADE, and Jungle.
First airing in 1993, Jules Holland’s Hootenanny has become a staple of British New Year’s Eve celebrations. The program is hosted by the renowned pianist, bandleader, and broadcaster, Jools Holland. It blends a lively party atmosphere with outstanding live music spanning a diverse array of genres such as pop, rock, jazz, soul, blues, and folk.
At the heart of the show is Holland’s own Rhythm & Blues Orchestra who perform alongside a mix of both legendary and emerging artists. Interspersed with the musical performances are celebrity interviews, short comedy sketches, and traditional elements like the rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the countdown to the new year.
Over the years, the Hootenanny has hosted music royalty such as Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Prince. While pre-recorded weeks in advance, the show is presented as a live event and delivers an authentic celebratory vibe to welcome in the New Year.
The hootenanny is coming!! Find out who’s set to feature on @JoolsOfficial‘s annual New Years celebration to ring in 2025 https://t.co/eGNTxp44Jg
— Official Charts (@officialcharts) December 30, 2024
This year, The Boomtown Rats are among some of the many acts performing on the show. Known for their high-energy performances and socially conscious lyrics, the iconic Irish band rose to fame during the late 1970s and 1980s. Their hits like ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Rat Trap’ place them among the new wave movement that blended punk rock with pop influences. After reuniting in 2013, they’ve continued to release new music and captivate audiences.
Another Irish act to take the stage on New Years Eve in CMAT, or Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson. Blending country, pop, and indie influences the Irish singer-songwriter is known for her quirky, confessional songwriting style and theatrical performances. Her debut album, ‘If My Wife Knew I’d Be Dead’, released in 2022, features standout tracks like ‘I Don’t Really Care for You’ and ‘Every Bottle (Is My Boyfriend)’ which fans can hope to hear this New Years Eve.
Formerly a member of one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, Little Mix, JADE has embarked on a promising solo career. Little Mix achieved immense success with six studio albums and numerous chart-topping singles before their hiatus in 2022. Jade has since released three solo songs in 2024 – ‘Fantasy’, ‘Midnight Cowboy’, and ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ – and hints at new music to be released next year.
The British modern soul and funk collective, Jungle, will also join Jools Holland on stage. Founded by Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland in 2013, Jungle is known for their infectious grooves and genre-defying sound. Their music is characterised by funky basslines, soaring falsettos, and danceable rhythms and has revitalised funk and soul for a new generation. The band were even nominated at the 2014 Mercury Awards for their self-titled debut album ‘Jungle’. Other performers include Death South, Kathy Sledge, Ruby Turner, and Toby Lee, who will join Holland in the count down to 2025.
Join us New Year’s Eve for Jools’ Annual Hootenanny with this incredible line-up! The Boomtown Rats@cmatbaby@TheDeadSouth4@jadethirlwall@jungle4eva@KathySledge@MarcAlmond@PCarrack Roger Taylor@rubyturnersoul@tobyleeguitar NYE, 11:30pm on @BBCTwo & @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/HNQWhOS9EC — Later…with Jools Holland on BBC Two (@BBCLater) December 27, 2024
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny continues to be synonymous with New Year’s Eve in the UK, offering a musical alternative to conventional countdowns. With its blend of timeless traditions, star-studded performances, and comedic moments, it remains a joyous way to welcome the new year.
Tomorrow, it will be available to watch on BBC Two, and festivities will continue until 1:30am New Years Day.
