A FIVE-PIECE folk band from Glasgow will play their biggest gig to date after being selected to open the Waverley Stage at this year’s Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh.
Kitty the Lion fought-off competition from over 200 acts to reach the ‘Hog the Stage’ battle of the bands finale at the HMV Picture House on Lothian Road at the weekend.
The band started with solo singer/songwriter Anna Meldrum, before additional members Joe Rattray (bass), Nick Roan (drums), Sorren MacLean (guitar) and Callum Wiseman (mandolin) joined in 2009.
They have played gigs all around the country, including a slot at T in the Park this year, and now they are set to kick off the street party ahead of headliners The Coral, Newton Faulkner and Treacherous Orchestra.
Ms Meldrum said: “We are happy as hogs to be part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.
“No Scot could aspire to more and it will be the perfect way to round off what has been an exciting year for us.
“We can’t wait to get into the celebration spirit.”
The Waverley is one of four stages which will have live music on offer for party-goers in and around Princes Street on December 31.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay joined forces with Leith Records and Scotland’s largest independent listings and events magazine, The Skinny, the best of Scotland’s unsigned bands to start the street party.
In the past the event has provided a platform for some of the country’s biggest artists, including KT Tunstall and Franz Ferdinand.
Stuart Nisbet, music programme director for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “The Hog the Stage Live Final was an amazing night, all the bands played their hearts out and the support from the crowd was electric.
“But there can only be one winner and the triumphant Kitty the Lion will be a great way to kick-start the Street Party.
“Thanks to all the bands who entered the competition, it’s clear to see that the Scottish music scene is about to welcome some great new bands.”
Tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and The Keilidh are available online at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
