City encore for The Charlatans as band sign up for Hogmanay

THE Charlatans are to perform on the main stage at this year's Edinburgh Hogmanay concert, it has been revealed.

The group will end a year that has seen them celebrate their 20th anniversary by topping the bill alongside Hogmanay headliners Biffy Clyro at the Concert in the Gardens.

Organisers also announced that they would be playing to a packed crowd, with tickets for the concert arena around the Ross Bandstand already sold out.

The Manchester legends will be performing numerous hits from their back catalogue of 11 studio albums, including breakthrough hit The Only One I Know and tracks from current album Who We Touch.

Looking forward to what will be their first appearance at Edinburgh's Hogmanay, lead singer Tim Burgess said they were delighted to take part.

"It's going to be the party of the decade," he said.

The band will play with a guest drummer as band member Jon Brookes is being treated for a brain tumour after collapsing on stage in September.

Tickets for this year's Hogmanay Street Party are said to be selling well, and enclosure tickets for the Concert in the Gardens sold out on the opening weekend, with the full line-up still to be announced.

Organisers said they were still to unveil a special guest performer for the annual concert, considered by many to be the highlight of the Capital's Hogmanay party.

Stuart Nisbet, music programmer for Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said: "It's always much more exciting when a Scottish band has done so well that we can invite them to headline Edinburgh's Hogmanay.

"If they also happen to be one of the best live acts on the planet, things get really interesting. In announcing The Charlatans, another brilliant and hugely influential live band, Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2011 is shaping up to be one of the best ever."

Vic Galloway, BBC Radio presenter and Concert in the Gardens host, said: "I can't wait for Edinburgh's Hogmanay to present this show.

"I've loved Biffy Clyro since before they were signed, and now my boys are one of the biggest and best rock bands in the world. And to have Manchester legends The Charlatans there as well, what a night. It's just top."

Gardens tickets are still available, at 35 plus a booking fee, through the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay Box Office.

Full programme details will be announced on Wednesday, November 10.

For further information, to purchase tickets and to register for online updates visit: www.edinburghshogmanay.com