UK Dance legends announced as Hogmanay headliners
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced 2026’s Hogmanay in the Gardens headliners as UK dance legends Underworld, making their Edinburgh’s Hogmanay debut with an exclusive show in Scotland.
For the first time ever in the event’s history, the world-renowned Midnight Moment will be soundtracked live by Underworld on the Main Stage in West Princes Street Gardens, creating an unforgettable light, projection and firework extravaganza set below Edinburgh Castle as Scotland rings in 2027 with the ultimate dance soundtrack at one of the world’s biggest New Year celebrations.
Rick Smith and Karl Hyde of Underworld said: "We've celebrated New Years all around the world. But Hogmanay with the Scots is always EXCEPTIONAL. We only hope we can give some of that special back to the Scottish people and celebrate the only way we know how. Edinburgh, Let's Dance."
Making their Edinburgh Hogmanay debut, Underworld’s only Scottish performance of 2026 will include a special performance of their iconic dance anthem ‘Born Slippy (Nuxx)’ - a song ingrained in Scottish culture since featuring in Danny Boyle’s seminal film ‘Trainspotting’ in 1996. Their Hogmanay performance will follow a series of rave-reviewed shows earlier this year which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the legendary track.
In a first for the ‘Home of Hogmanay’, a special Midnight Moment will be designed to a live soundtrack by Underworld from Princes Street Gardens, featuring the world-famous fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, spectacular lights and projections alongside Underworld’s soundtrack to create an unmissable moment in the heart of the party for 50,000 partygoers in Scotland’s capital as they welcome in the New Year.
Over 30 years since creating their generation-defining euphoric sound, Underworld have continued to cement their place in electronic music’s past, present and future by headlining festival slots around the world and collaborating with new talent. Following rave reviews and sell-out shows throughout 2026, Underworld will transform West Princes Street Gardens in Scotland’s capital into the ultimate dancefloor extravaganza, with some of the best views in the city, for the world’s most famous New Year’s celebration.
Hogmanay in the Gardens closes out 2026 and leads the countdown to 2027 alongside the globally acclaimed Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, welcoming thousands of revellers from around the world to a feast of live music, fireworks and street performances.
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 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 (Nuxx)’ live in the heart of Edinburgh is going to be an unforgettable moment for everyone. The world-famous Midnight Moment soundtracked by legends of the dance world will ensure revellers kick off 2027 with the ultimate party beneath Edinburgh Castle. No Scotland, No Party!”
Produced by Unique Assembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Hogmanay in the Gardens is part of the city’s four-day Hogmanay celebrations which kick off on 29th December with the Torchlight Procession and culminate on New Year’s Day with a free and ticketed programme of music across the city at First Footin’. Amidst the celebrations are outdoor concerts including the Night Afore on 30 December, indoor ceilidhs, comedy shows and traditional Scottish celebrations for kids and families.