LOCAL HERO

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LOCAL HERO ~

This December, Hoolie in the Hydro returns with a brand new theme - Local Hero.

Inspired by the iconic Scottish film, this year's Hoolie celebrates the musicians who have become heroes in communities across Scotland through their lasting contribution to traditional music. From village halls to festival stages, these artists have inspired generations, kept traditions alive and helped shape Scotland's musical landscape.

Taking to the stage this year are Mànran, The Chair, Beluga Lagoon and Blazin' Fiddles, alongside a host of very special guests including Donnie Munro, Dougie MacLean, Julie Fowlis, Karine Polwart and Ruairidh Gray, with more names still to be announced.

As part of this year's theme, Hoolie in the Hydro - Local Hero will also honour Glasgow-born guitar legend Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), whose iconic soundtrack to Local Hero is a much-loved part of Scottish culture, with his induction into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame.

Expect another unforgettable night of incredible music, special collaborations and the unique atmosphere that makes Hoolie in the Hydro so special.

GET TICKETS HERE

Sparked by a Facebook post by musician and BBC broadcaster, Gary Innes, in early 2020, Hoolie in the Hydro first took place in Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on Saturday 17th December 2022. The event was a world-first, marking the first time an arena had been hired by an individual in the UK to showcase a night completely dedicated to traditional music.

Following a hugely successful inaugural event and backed by popular demand, Hoolie in the Hydro returned the following year and broke its own sales record, welcoming over 10,000 people and finishing with a celebration of 50 years of Runrig. Hoolie in the Hydro returned for a third year in 2024 to commemorate 100 years of traditional music, and featured a star-studded line-up of some of Scotland most loved traditional music artists. Hoolie in the Hydro was back for it’s fourth edition in 2025, featuring a tribute to Sir Billy Connolly, celebrating his humour and his love and affinity for folk music.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 event, Hoolie in the Hydro - Local Hero, taking place on Saturday 12th December 2026.

get tickets for hoolie in the hydro 2026 here

Follow us on socials to keep up to date

We’re very excited to reveal that the theme for our fifth Hoolie is Local Hero 🎶 Hoolie in the Hydro - Local Hero will be inspired by the iconic Scottish film and celebrating our own local heroes, bringing together a fantastic line-up of incr
Hoolie reaches far beyond Scotland 💙 We love hearing from people who have travelled from near and far to be part of Hoolie in the Hydro! Where have you travelled from to join us? Let us know below 👇
We've had some amazing hosts over the years who have made each Hoolie in the Hydro so unforgettable 🎶 And not forgetting the inimitable Alan Cumming at Hoolie in New York! ✨ 📷 @kevinkerr1010 #ThrowbackThursday #HoolieInTheHydro
We’re delighted to be working with the @ovohydro on Our Moment Live this summer ⚽ The Hoolie in the Hydro house band will lead the celebrations across all three Scotland group games, building the atmosphere with live tunes, big anthems, and a
We’ve been lucky to have some incredible pipe bands take to the stage at Hoolie over the years. It's always a real highlight of the night! If you're part of a pipe band, or there's one you’d love to see at Hoolie this year, let us know i
"Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn't try it on" - Billy Connolly Swipe to see if @gavinmitchell867 can be trusted 👀 📷 @kevinkerr1010 @rae_mckenzie_islay #hoolie #hoolieinthehydro #thebigyin

If you are interested in sponsoring Hoolie in the Hydro, we would love to hear from you!

Please email us at info@anairdevents.com

Previous Line-Ups

2025

2024

2023

VIEW PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS HERE

2022