Madness to headline Hogmanay show

Madness have not performed in Edinburgh for 15 years

Madness are to headline this year's Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, the organisers have announced.

The band, who had hits including House of Fun and Baggy Trousers in the 1980s, will bring in the year 2010 at the Concert in the Gardens.

It will be the band's first gig in the capital for more than 15 years.

Tens of thousands of revellers flock to the city every year to see in the New Year with events like the famous street party, open air ceilidh and fireworks.

Madness performed at this year's Glastonbury festival, and also had a show in London to celebrate 30 years in the music industry.

The band said: "We've heard it's one of the world's best New Year bashes so we are expecting mayhem - Edinburgh's laid down the gauntlet, we're there to take up the challenge."

Pete Irvine, creative director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, described the band as being "the perfect party band".

He said: "We're delighted that they've agreed to headline Edinburgh's Hogmanay music and firework spectacular. We're looking forward to a Mad Hogmanay."

Councillor Steve Cardownie, the festival and events champion at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "Edinburgh's Hogmanay is envied across the world and this year, with Madness set to perform, there will be no better place to be to bring in the New Year."

He added: "I remember their last tour here and Madness know that Edinburgh can celebrate with the best of them - they'll have the city jumping to ska, so it's definitely not to be missed."

Tickets for the Concert in the Gardens, the Hogmanay street party and the ceilidh are on sale from Saturday 10 October.