'I am so excited': One of Scotland's biggest music events returns to Hydro

One of the biggest music events of the year is returning to Glasgow.

Hoolie in the Hydro makes a return to the OVO Hydro on Saturday, December 7 and this year, the traditional music show celebrates 100 years of Scottish music.

Aptly named Hoolie 100, the event will mark a ​​century of musical talent by featuring a star-studded line-up of some of Scotland’s most successful bands, all of which are celebrating a milestone year as part of the Scottish music industry.

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Folk music trailblazers Capercaillie will join the Hoolie 100 line-up as they are celebrating 40 years at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene.

Capercaillie’s Karen Matheson said: “I am mad excited to be joining this awesome line-up for Hoolie in the Hydro 2024, giving us a chance to perform live from our new album Re-loved which has just been released as part of our 40th-anniversary celebrations. Bring it on!”

Multi-genre group Skerryvore will also bring their fusion of folk, traditional, rock and pop to the Hydro.

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Celebrating 15 years in music are multi-award-winning supergroup Mànran, known across the world for their blend of traditional and modern instruments, along with Gaelic and English songs.

Meanwhile, instrumental group RURA also celebrates 15 years by being part of the line-up at Hoolie 10.

The newest band within the line-up is still marking a solid decade in music: Talisk, a three-piece multi-award winning group.

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Hoolie in the Hydro dates back to 2020, when organiser Gary Innes posted a tongue in cheek comment on social media which said if half of the people who had ‘liked’ his page bought a ticket for the Hydro, they could have the world’s biggest ceilidh.

The likes, shares and support for the idea flooded in, so Gary went ahead and booked Scotland’s largest indoor venue for December 2022.

Following the success, Hoolie in the Hydro returned in 2023 and saw 10,000 visitors flood in through the Hydro doors.

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Speaking about this year's Hoolie 100, Gary said: “The overwhelming response to Hoolie in the Hydro over the past two years has been nothing short of incredible.

"I am so excited and filled with gratitude as we gear up for this year’s event. The success we’ve seen can be attributed to the phenomenal support from our audiences, the unmatched talent of our artists, and our unwavering commitment to putting Scottish traditional music on the country’s biggest stage.

“Last year we welcomed over 10,000 people to The OVO Hydro, creating a vibrant atmosphere that truly showcased the power of Scotland’s traditional music.

"Today’s exciting line-up announcement highlights a century of remarkable growth and innovation and I can’t wait to see what magic will be created this December.”

Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, which will air the event, added: “Hoolie in the Hydro is back and set to be bigger than ever to celebrate 100 years of Scotland’s iconic trad music scene.

"As the event continues to grow in popularity, there is no doubt that this is one of the highlights of the year on BBC ALBA and we look forward to bringing the magic of the Hoolie to viewers’ homes across the country once again.

“With some top acts already confirmed for Hoolie 100, fans can now mark the date in their diary for an unforgettable night of Scottish music - and we can’t wait to see who else is joining the party this December.”

Tickets for Hoolie in the Hydro are on sale now.