Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny 2021: when is it on, how can I watch it - and who appears with Ed Sheeran?

Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny will once again air on BBC Two on New Year’s Eve.

Holland will be joined by a number of musicians – including Ed Sheeran and Gregory Porter – who will perform their songs to welcome in the new year.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Hootenanny.

What’s going to happen in the Hootenanny?

The Hootenanny is a special New Year’s Eve edition of Later… with Jools Holland, and much like the weekly music show it will contain performances from a number of guests.

Who will appear with Jools Holland in the 2021 Hootenanny?

For this year’s Hootenanny, Jools will be joined by Ed Sheeran, Gregory Porter, Lulu, Joy Crookes, Rag’n’Bone Man, Yola, Ruby Turner, and comedian Vic Reeves.

Ed Sheeran is expected to perform songs from his album =, while Gregory Porter will play a classic Willie Dixon Chicago Blues track.

Rag’n’Bone Man will perform All You Ever Wanted, Joy Crookes will play her song When You Were Mine, and Yola will offer a rendition of her Grammy-nominated song Diamond Studded Shoes.

The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards will also accompany the Hootenanny, as will Jools’ Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

There will also be archival footage from Hootenannies past, with clips of previous performances from Madness and Craig David.

What time is the 2021 Hootenanny on and how can I watch the Hootenanny?

Jools Holland’s Hootenanny will air on BBC Two on December 31. It will start at 23:25, and continue for two hours – beginning in one year, and ending in the next!

The first of Jools Holland’s now annual Hootenanny’s aired in December 1993, making this year’s Hootenanny his 28^th Hootenanny.

Is the Hootenanny live?

Nope – the Hootenanny is pre-recorded earlier in the year.

What actually is a Hootenanny?

A hootenanny is a party involving music – often specifically folk music – where different musicians will volunteer to perform at an open mic.

Why should I watch the Hootenanny?

Because you call tell people you watched the Hootenanny, and honestly any reason to say “Hootenanny” is one worth taking.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. You can also sign up to our email newsletters and get a curated selection of our best reads to your inbox every day.