Underworld to Headline Edinburgh's Hogmanay with Iconic Trainspotting Soundtrack

Electronic music duo Underworld has been confirmed as the headline act for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. Rick Smith and Karl Hyde are set to provide a live soundtrack for the traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display launched from Edinburgh Castle. This historic event will be the first time the iconic fireworks spectacle is accompanied by live music.

The performance is scheduled to take place in Princes Street Gardens. A highlight of the set will be the track 'Born Slippy,' a song that has gained legendary status, particularly after its prominent feature in the 1996 film adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel, Trainspotting. The duo's performance in Edinburgh will be their only scheduled date in Scotland for 2026.

Organizers Unique Assembly have also confirmed the return of other popular Hogmanay events, including the Torchlight Procession and the Night Afore concert, alongside the bustling Hogmanay Street Party. The track 'Born Slippy' itself has a rich history, originally released as a B-side in 1995 before achieving widespread fame and reaching number two in the UK charts after its inclusion in the Trainspotting film. It has since been recognized as a defining sound of the 1990s.

Last year, the four-day Hogmanay festival attracted over 115,000 visitors, with approximately 100,000 attending the street party and concert. The 2024 edition had been canceled due to weather concerns. The economic impact of the Christmas and Hogmanay events on Edinburgh was significant, contributing around £241 million to the city's economy. The City of Edinburgh Council expressed enthusiasm for Underworld's headline performance, anticipating a memorable start to 2027.