What's On Scotland 22 Dec-1 Jan: Headset NYE & more
It's the last events round-up of 2023! We've got NYE celebrations – from Headset at The Mash House to JAIVA at The Glad Cafe – Christmas films and theatre, and even a wee music festival
Happy last newsletter of 2023! I don't know about you but we are so ready to turn the out of office on and log off. Not quite yet though, as we have a bunch of final picks to share for the week ahead, and some New Year's treats too.
On that topic – pick your poison at Headset this New Year’s Eve with four whole rooms at The Mash House filled with a unique, handpicked lineup of DJs including Proc Fiskal, Kairogen and FEENA (pictured). Taking over the first room is the usual Headset crowd playing techno, electro and deep house, balanced out by funk, soul and dub reggae in the second. Messenger Sound System are curating the music in the third room, while the fourth is set to remain a mystery until the night itself – guaranteeing something for almost all tastes. There's some second release tickets left but be quick, we imagine this will sell out.
JAIVA x The Glad Cafe NYE Party
The Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 31 Dec, 8pm
Join club night JAIVA at the Glad Cafe for a stunning mix of jazz, disco, house, amapiano and Afro house. Heading up the decks is JAIVA founder and pioneer of Afro house in Scotland ButhoTheWarrior, with support from Bhangra and UK Garage-influenced DJ Hu-Sane. Image: Nikita Hossain.
Christmas at Cameo
Cameo, Edinburgh. Until 24 Dec, various times
There's a run of joyful festive films at The Cameo in the few days before Christmas, perfect for getting away from the crowds and insanity (enter Princes Street at your own risk!). There's The Shop Around the Corner, Scrooge, Remember the Night, and many more gems.
A Christmas Carol
Dundee Rep, Dundee. Until 30 Dec, various times
Pre-Christmas and Twixtmas activities don't come any more perfect than Dundee Rep's critically acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol. The witty and heartwarming retelling breathes new life into the familiar classic, and is a gorgeous festive treat for families and adults alike. Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
Ponyboy x Stereo Hogmanay
Stereo, Glasgow. 31 Dec, 11pm
Find even more Hogmanay celebrations (can you tell we are excited for a new year?) at Stereo with a star-studded, dazzling lineup. Techno, hyperpop, bass and hardcore tunes take over the night as anarchic queer club night Ponyboy plays host to queer DJ legend TAAHLIAH. Image: Vasso Vu.
↪ First Footin'
Various venues, Edinburgh. 1 Jan
First Footin’ returns on New Year's Day with a programme full of free live music and performance across Edinburgh's Old and New Town. Artists include Cloth, Bemz, Becky Sikasa, Cloth, Lau and Kathryn Joseph (pictured) – it's first come first served so be quick! Image: Jupiter Rising, courtesy of artist.
→ Christmas Party for Palestine
Lost in Leith, Edinburgh. 22 Dec, 9pm
Head down to Lost in Leith tonight for a legendary six-hour back-to-back set from EHFM heroes Saint Sunday and Percy Main – expect disco, funk and soul, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestine.
→ Turner in January
National Gallery, Edinburgh. 1-31 Jan
Every year, the National Gallery brings out their collection of Turner watercolours for the entire month of January, and this year is no different, with hazy clouds, looming shipwrecks and smudged, crashing waves filling the gallery space.