BBC Alba’s Hogmanay Ceilidh set to be broadcast from Nairn Commmunity and Arts Centre
One of the country’s most popular New Year’s live show is set to bring the party to a Nairn community hub this year.
Nairnites will have a front seat at BBC Alba’s annual Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire, which will take place at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre.
The event features some of trad music’s biggest names, with Scottish supergroup, Mànran along with other well-known acts - including Royal National Mòd 2024 gold-medallist, Alice MacMillan announced in the line-up at this year’s event.
Centre manager Rhona Macdonald said: “We are absolutely delighted to share the news! This honour is a true testament to our Centre’s growing reputation as a creative and cultural hub in the Highlands, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome such a significant celebration to our venue.
“The past year has been a challenging one for creative venues across Scotland. Funding pressures have made it difficult for many arts centres and cultural spaces to maintain operations, let alone thrive. Here at Nairn Community & Arts Centre, we have faced our share of obstacles, but thanks to the incredible support from our community and patrons, we have kept our vision alive. Being selected as the venue of choice for the BBC’s Hogmanay Party is a celebration, not just for us but for the entire Nairn community.
“Hosting the BBC Alba Hogmanay Party represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase our Centre’s versatility and spirit. The event will shine a national spotlight on our vibrant arts and culture scene, and we’re eager to show audiences far and wide what makes Nairn such a special place, and to celebrate all that our town has to offer.
“We hope this event also emphasises the importance of continued investment in the arts. As a stand-alone charity-run Centre, we rely on the generosity of our funders and supporters, and every donation and gesture of support helps sustain us in our support of many local community groups and activities.”
The iconic Hogmanay show will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA and worldwide on Radio nan Gàidheal.
A limited number of tickets for those looking to join the Hogmanay fun are now available on the BBC’s Shows and Tours site.
Iain Macleod, executive producer, said: “BBC ALBA’s biggest event of the year is back with an incredible line-up of Scottish traditional musicians and local talent to count us down to 2025. We will be bringing viewers live performances from all of the night’s acts, and of course, Hogmanay craic from our hosts, Cathy and Niall Iain.
“As keen supporters of Gaelic song and traditional music, BBC ALBA can’t wait to showcase emerging talent like Alice MacMillan, the acclaimed South Uist singer Mairi MacMillan and established stars like the fantastic Mànran in an upbeat evening of celebrations for audiences across the country this Hogmanay.”
Following the success of their new single Standing Still, and a string of live performances across the UK and Europe, Mànran are joining the Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire line-up as the main act of the evening to play some of their best-loved hits and classic traditional songs.
The band are accompanied by the MacMillan family, Gaelic singers from the Isle of Lewis: Seonaidh Beag MacMillan, Calum Alex MacMillan and Alice MacMillan, representing three generations of the family. The youngest member, Alice, recently won the women’s gold medal for Gaelic song at the Royal National Mòd in Oban.
The Cèilidh’s musical director, Ingrid Henderson, will take the helm of the incredible house band featuring Anna Massie, Sileas Sinclair, Angus Nicolson and Megan Henderson, alongside a live performance from the Nairn Gaelic Choir.
Gaelic singer, Alice MacMillan, said: “It’s such an honour to be part of Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire. I am really looking forward to taking in the New Year in Nairn, singing alongside the two people who have influenced my singing journey most - my Shen and my Uncle Calum.”
Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire will be available live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer and on a worldwide stream on Tuesday 31 December from 11.30pm.
