Dance music legends Underworld to perform live to Hogmanay fireworks

The world-renowned Midnight Moment will be soundtracked by Underworld on the main stage in West Princes Street Gardens, creating an light, projection and firework extravaganza as Scotland rings in 2027 at one of the world’s biggest New Year celebrations.

Their performance will include a special performance of their iconic dance anthem Born Slippy (Nuxx) - a song ingrained in Scottish culture since featuring in film Trainspotting. Their Hogmanay performance will follow a series of shows earlier this year which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the legendary track.

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."

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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.

Celebrations will kick off on 29 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 events for families.

Margaret Graham, culture and communities convener at Edinburgh City Council, said: “Edinburgh truly is the place to bring in the bells, and there’s no better home for Hogmanay than our capital city.

“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.

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“It’s especially exciting that our world-famous Midnight Moment will be accompanied by such an iconic soundtrack, adding even more magic to the occasion. Combined with our spectacular fireworks, stunning light installations and projections, this year’s celebrations are shaping up to be an extraordinary experience and one not to be missed.”

The directors of Unique Assembly said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Underworld as 2026's Hogmanay in the Gardens headliners for what is set to be an incredible night of music to dance our way into 2027.

“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.”

They added: “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.”

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Earlier this year, an economic impact report published by Unique Assembly, a partnership between Fringe venue Assembly and Unique Events, which runs the Winter Festivals, found the events generated a record level of income for the city last year.

The festival, which includes Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, saw economic growth of more than 20 per cent across the past three years to £241 million amid longer visitor stays, higher spend and "exceptional" demand for accommodation.

The report revealed a record number of visitors travelled internationally to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh, with a third coming from outside the UK and more than a quarter from outside Scotland.

Tickets will go on sale from 10am on Friday.