Britpop legends Pulp are to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.
The Sheffield band – fronted by Jarvis Cocker – will bring in the bells beneath the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle on New Year’s Eve.
It follows the band’s reunion for a string of summer shows, which included performing at TRNSMT in Glasgow.
Cocker said: “When your grandkids ask ‘do you remember the first time Pulp played Edinburgh’s Hogmanay?’ What will your answer be?
“Come along and start 2024 in the very best way possible.”
The band’s set at Concert in the Gardens within Princes Street Gardens on 31 December will be their first live show in the city for more than 20 years.
Fans of the band can expect a setlist of smash hits, including Common People, Disco 2000 and Do You Remember The First Time?
Their performance will also be broadcast on screens along Princes Street, where 40,000 revellers are expected to celebrate the Hogmanay event’s 30th anniversary.
There will be “foot stompin'” music from across Scotland at The Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge and a silent disco for 4,000 party-goers in the Disco Zone.
Organisers Unique Assembly have also promised live street theatre, drummers, pipers, vintage funfair rides, food and drink, and a carnival atmosphere in the city centre.
The directors of Unique Assembly, who create and produce the event on behalf of the city council, said: “Reaching the milestone 30th anniversary for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a phenomenal achievement, which since 1993 has welcomed millions of party people to celebrate at the Home of Hogmanay.
“We wanted to make sure that this year was extra special for our audiences and are thrilled to welcome Pulp to the party.
“This will be the hottest ticket in town, and we recommend people grab their tickets fast to make sure they don’t miss out.”
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The four-day programme of events will take place between 29 December and 1 January.
The Torchlight Procession is returning on 29 December, while the Night Afore Disco Party will take place beneath Edinburgh Castle on 30 December.
The First Footin’ culture trail will take place on New Year’s Day, welcoming artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre.
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Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh Council leader, said: “The excellent news that pop-pioneers Pulp are set to headline the 30th anniversary Concert in the Gardens, as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, is testament to the international reputation that our city and festivals command.
“After the difficult years of the pandemic, I’m overjoyed that our festivals are back to their brilliant best and providing such high calibre cultural offerings for our residents and visitors.
“This year’s New Year’s Eve festivities are set to be some of the finest that Edinburgh has ever seen. I’m sure we’ll all fondly remember the first time that Pulp will see Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh into 2024.”
