TASMANIA
HOGMANAY HOOTENANNY
Celebrate New Year's eve - Scottish Style!
Where:
Max Fry Hall, Launceston
When:
31st December 2026
Time:
7:30pm til late
“What an amazing night! That was literally incredible, I cannot thank you enough for giving the Australians a proper ceilidh.”
Naomi & Ben
“Brilliant. The ceilidh was second to none, everyone was raving about it. The music was also fantastic... Want to do it all over again.”
Emma & Ali
“We couldn't have anticipated how much fun everyone would have. Graeme has the uncanny ability to get everyone up on the dance floor within minutes. Watching him teach each dance was like a masterclass.”
Gillian Flaherty
“Ranging from seasoned Scots to first-time Australians, and everyone loved it. Graeme made the dances fun, easy to follow, and got everyone up for multiple rounds of dancing.”
Calum McEwan
“Graeme has a wonderful way of making sure everyone feels included, whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh dancer or a total beginner. The energy, fun, and laughter was infectious.”
Hannah Wilson
“What an amazing night! That was literally incredible, I cannot thank you enough for giving the Australians a proper ceilidh.”
Naomi & Ben
“Brilliant. The ceilidh was second to none, everyone was raving about it. The music was also fantastic... Want to do it all over again.”
Emma & Ali
A SCOTTISH HOGMANAY
IN TASSIE
Hogmanay is Scotland’s biggest celebration of the year — a New Year’s tradition filled with music, dancing and community spirit. From city streets to village halls, it’s a night where people gather to sing, spin and welcome the bells together.
LIVE MUSIC
PIPERS
HIGHLAND DANCERS
In 2023, we brought that spirit to Tasmania with the Tassie Hogmanay Hootenanny — a proper Scottish-style New Year’s Eve built around live folk music, ceilidh dancing and shared tradition
SCOTTISH TRADITIONS
CEILIDH DANCING
PARTICIPATION FOR ALL
Expect big tunes, bagpipes, Highland dancers and a packed dance floor counting down to midnight — the proper way.
frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before joining us for a crackin’ Hogmanay in Launceston.
Absolutely. The Hogmanay Hootenanny is designed to welcome people of all ages and abilities. The venue has step-free access throughout, accessible toilets and a convenient drop-off point at the entrance.
We want this to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. If you have specific accessibility requirements or anything that would help you enjoy the evening more comfortably, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to assist.
Contact Graeme at bookings@thescotsmanmusic.com
We want this to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. If you have specific accessibility requirements or anything that would help you enjoy the evening more comfortably, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to assist.
Contact Graeme at bookings@thescotsmanmusic.com
One of the best things about the Hootenanny is that you don’t have to pay crazy New Year’s Eve bar prices.
Your ticket includes a traditional supper plate and a wee nip of whisky, but the rest of the evening is BYO. Bring along your favourite drinks and snacks — many people bring an esky or a platter to share with friends.
All we ask is that you take home everything you bring with you, as we’re aiming to keep the event environmentally friendly and leave the venue as we found it.
Your ticket includes a traditional supper plate and a wee nip of whisky, but the rest of the evening is BYO. Bring along your favourite drinks and snacks — many people bring an esky or a platter to share with friends.
All we ask is that you take home everything you bring with you, as we’re aiming to keep the event environmentally friendly and leave the venue as we found it.
Yes — this is a family-friendly event and all ages are welcome.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Under 12s: Free entry
Ages 12–17: Discounted youth ticket (and an Irn-Bru instead of a whisky!)
Ceilidh dancing is fantastic fun for kids and many families make it a yearly tradition.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Under 12s: Free entry
Ages 12–17: Discounted youth ticket (and an Irn-Bru instead of a whisky!)
Ceilidh dancing is fantastic fun for kids and many families make it a yearly tradition.
Yes — there is plenty of parking available behind the venue in the adjacent sports grounds.
Some guests even stay overnight in caravans or campervans. We just ask that everyone is respectful of neighbours and the local area.
Some guests even stay overnight in caravans or campervans. We just ask that everyone is respectful of neighbours and the local area.
Not at all. Every dance is explained by our friendly caller before the music begins.
Ceilidh dancing is all about joining in and having fun — even complete beginners will be spinning around the floor within minutes.
Ceilidh dancing is all about joining in and having fun — even complete beginners will be spinning around the floor within minutes.
No partner required.
We set the hall up with traditional beer-hall style seating, so even if you arrive on your own you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by new friends.
You might come by yourself — but you’ll never be alone on the dance floor.
We set the hall up with traditional beer-hall style seating, so even if you arrive on your own you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by new friends.
You might come by yourself — but you’ll never be alone on the dance floor.
It’s New Year’s Eve — dress to celebrate.
You don’t need to go full black tie, but many people enjoy dressing up for the occasion. Tartan, kilts, sparkles and festive outfits are all part of the fun.
Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes for dancing.
You don’t need to go full black tie, but many people enjoy dressing up for the occasion. Tartan, kilts, sparkles and festive outfits are all part of the fun.
Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes for dancing.
Doors open at 7:30pm, with entry from no earlier than 7:20pm.
Please don’t arrive before then, as the team will still be preparing the hall and you may be left waiting outside in the cold.
Please don’t arrive before then, as the team will still be preparing the hall and you may be left waiting outside in the cold.
Most guests bring their own food and drinks, but there will also be a few soft drinks and Scottish snacks available to purchase on the night, along with a raffle.
It’s a good idea to bring a little cash with you just in case.
It’s a good idea to bring a little cash with you just in case.
3 sold out years
Since our launch in 2023, we have had over 400 attendees in 3 sold out years. See what we have been up to...
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Our Hootenanny has evolved since it's launch with new exciting elements being added each year. This gives you an idea of what you can expect at future events.
Guests arrive to the sound of the Caledonian Pipe Band, setting the tone for a grand Hogmanay welcome.
The hosts open the evening with an introduction and a Highland dance demonstration to begin the celebrations in style.
Enjoy a lively mix of singalong folk songs and ceilidh dancing, with plenty of chances for everyone to join in.
A traditional Address to the Haggis followed by a hearty Scottish supper, bringing one of Hogmanay’s best-loved customs to Tasmania.
A special performance featuring pipers and Highland dancers together in a stirring celebration of Scottish tradition.
The dance floor comes alive again with more music, more dancing and more crowd favourites as the night builds towards midnight.
A wee dram and Scottish treats help everyone gather together as the excitement grows and the countdown draws near.
Raise your voices for Auld Lang Syne and welcome the New Year surrounded by music, tradition and community.
The formal programme wraps up after a full evening of celebration, dancing and unforgettable Hogmanay spirit.
A Ceilidh of Your Own
Ever fancied hosting your own ceilidh dance or Scottish event in Australia?
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