Lily Allen to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Lily Allen takes to the main stage at Radio 1 Big Weekend in Glasgow. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Allen, who was one of the star attractions at Radio One’s Big Weekend in Glasgow earlier this year, will be following in the footsteps of the Pet Shop Boys when she takes to the stage in Princes Street Gardens.

The 29-year-old, who shot to fame with the number one single Smile eight years ago, announced she was quitting the music business completely just three years later, despite huge commercial success, only to return with a third album earlier this year.

She appeared at Glastonbury in June, is performing at the V festivals in England this weekend and will tour the UK in the autumn before her headline slot in Edinburgh.

Calvin Harris, Biffy Clyro, Simple Minds, Blondie, Madness, KT Tunstall and Primal Scream have all topped the bill at the event in previous years.

Allen said: “I’ve always wanted to spend Hogmanay in Scotland so the fact that I get to do it this year but performing on stage in front of a whole load of people up for the best time makes it extra special. I can’t wait.”

Pete Irvine, artistic director of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival, said: “Lily has had a great year headlining summer festivals, playing all over the world and now we welcome her to the home of Hogmanay.”

Tickets for the Hogmanay “concert in the gardens” go on sale on Friday 22 August from the usual outlets.