Nutini to perform double act

Updated 08.05 Fri Oct 10 2008

Keywords: New Year, Hogmanay, Paolo Nutini

Pop star Paolo Nutini will help bring in the New Year by performing in two different cities on one night.

The Scottish singer will be the first act ever to perform at the Hogmanay celebrations in both Glasgow and Edinburgh on December 31.

"With Paolo Nutini on board we're excited about what else the night will hold and how Edinburgh can really bring in 2009 with a bang" - Steve Cardownie

Paisley-born Nutini, 21, will kick-start Edinburgh's final gig of 2008 in West Princes Street Gardens, before heading west to headline before a home crowd in Glasgow city centre.

Council chiefs in both cities revealed the star's plans as they announced details of their end-of-year celebrations.

Nutini was the first act to be confirmed for Edinburgh's New Year's Eve party.

Festival and events spokesman Steve Cardownie said: "I'm delighted that Scotland's premiere New Year celebrations at the 2008 Concert in the Gardens will be opened by a Scottish artist."

He added: "With Paolo Nutini on board we're excited about what else the night will hold and how Edinburgh can really bring in 2009 with a bang."

The New Shoes singer, who has played in China, San Diego and Japan this year, will launch the ticketed Concert in the Gardens at the new start time of 9pm.

Organisers said further announcements about the event's line-up can be expected in early November, when tickets will go on sale.