As 2025 comes to a close, fans of live music can look forward to Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny. This celebration brings together an impressive array of established legends and emerging talents. The event will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on December 31, 2025, starting at 11:30 PM.
Hootenanny 2025 Line-Up
This year’s Hootenanny features a stellar line-up, including:
- Ronnie Wood
- Olivia Dean
- Lulu
- Jessie J
- Craig David
- Heather Small
- The Kooks
- Imelda May
- Joe Webb
- David Hermlin
- Ruby Turner
Highlights of the Evening
Legendary guitarist Ronnie Wood, known for his work with The Rolling Stones, is set to perform. He celebrates a remarkable 60-year career and will showcase music from his anthology “Fearless.” Olivia Dean, who has achieved considerable success in 2025, will sing tracks from her album “The Art of Loving.” This includes a special rendition of Natalie Cole’s hit “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”
Scottish icon Lulu will perform notable hits such as “The Man Who Sold The World” and “Relight My Fire,” linking her music from the 1970s to the 1990s. Jessie J will also grace the stage, presenting new material from her sixth album “Don’t Tease Me with a Good Time.” She will also perform a classic Frank Sinatra song.
Special Guest Performances
Craig David returns to the Hootenanny to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut album “Born to Do It.” He will also highlight his ninth album “Commitment.” Heather Small, the voice behind M People, will perform their popular tracks “Moving On Up” and “Search for the Hero.”
Additionally, The Kooks will honor the 20th anniversary of their debut album by performing beloved songs and selections from their latest work “Never/Know.”
Jazz and Soul Influence
Joining Jools are several artists with strong jazz, soul, and boogie-woogie backgrounds:
- Imelda May will bring her unique style, including a rendition of Billie Holiday’s “Now or Never.”
- Joe Webb, a Mercury Prize-nominated pianist, will perform a special duet.
- David Hermlin from Berlin will keep the swing alive with “Jeepers Creepers.”
- Ruby Turner, known for her boogie-woogie flair, completes the dynamic line-up.
In addition, Jools will ring in the new year with the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. The audience will include familiar faces from stage and screen, sharing their New Year’s predictions and resolutions. This promises to be an unforgettable musical celebration.
