Quick Read
- Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny 2025 airs December 31 at 11:30pm GMT on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
- The lineup includes Ronnie Wood, Lulu, Jessie J, Craig David, The Kooks, Imelda May, and more.
- Show is pre-recorded in early December, not broadcast live.
Every New Year’s Eve in the UK, as midnight approaches, millions gather around their screens for a tradition that’s become as familiar as the countdown itself: Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny. Now in its 32nd year, the 2025 edition is set to be another unforgettable celebration, blending legends, chart-toppers, and rising stars for two hours of pure musical joy. But what makes this show such a staple, and how can fans worldwide tune in to the party?
This year’s Hootenanny is pre-recorded, as always, but the illusion of a live, raucous party never falters. Filmed in early December at Maidstone Studios, the show is expertly crafted to capture the genuine energy of a New Year’s bash. Jools Holland, beloved host and master of ceremonies, leads his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra through a rollicking, eclectic night, packed with surprises and heartfelt performances. According to TechRadar, the show airs at 11:30pm GMT on December 31, exclusively on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. For those outside the UK, a VPN such as NordVPN is recommended to bypass geo-restrictions and join the festivities.
The 2025 lineup is a testament to the show’s magnetic pull. Ronnie Wood, the iconic Rolling Stones guitarist, marks 60 years in music with selections from his anthology ‘Fearless’ and a special reunion with The Kooks, whom he toured with in the past. Lulu, Scotland’s pop legend, offers a nostalgia trip with her 1974 Bowie cover “The Man Who Sold the World” and her 1993 hit “Relight My Fire” with Take That. Jessie J makes an emotional return, performing her empowering single “Living My Best Life” and sharing a moving moment with Jools on a Frank Sinatra classic, openly discussing her recent cancer treatment—a moment that, according to The Kooks’ Luke Pritchard in The Sun, left the room deeply touched.
Craig David, marking 25 years since his groundbreaking debut, brings both classics and fresh material from his latest album ‘Commitment’ to the stage. Heather Small of M People injects 90s dancefloor energy with “Moving On Up” and “Search for the Hero,” while Imelda May pays tribute to Billie Holiday with a stirring rendition of “Now or Never.” The indie favorites The Kooks revive hits from their debut ‘Inside In/Inside Out’ nearly two decades on, and present a new track from 2025’s ‘Never/Know’.
Other guests include pianist Joe Webb, who duets with Jools, Berlin’s David Hermlin channeling Louis Armstrong’s “Jeepers Creepers,” and Ruby Turner, whose boogie-woogie prowess is a Hootenanny staple. Special collaborations—sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned—are the heartbeat of the night, with cross-genre jams and harmonies that can only happen in this unique setting.
No Hootenanny would be complete without the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who usher in 2026 with bagpipes and military precision. According to NationalWorld, the post-show party is just as lively: bagpipes, laughter, and genuine camaraderie among artists and crew. Luke Pritchard described it as “a bit of a reunion with Ronnie,” and shared how the bagpipes, often maligned, brought an unexpected, electric energy to the afterparty.
The secret sauce of the Hootenanny, as revealed by audience members in The Mirror, lies in Jools’s ability to conjure a real party vibe. The crowd is instructed to be silent during performances, but then erupt in applause, cheers, and even dancing as soon as the last note fades. The atmosphere, while orchestrated, never feels contrived—every guest, from household names to up-and-comers, is given their moment to shine.
For viewers in the UK, watching is simple: tune into BBC Two or stream via BBC iPlayer for free. For fans traveling or living abroad, using a VPN unlocks access to the broadcast, ensuring no one misses out on the festivities. As TechRadar notes, this is perfectly legal for recreational purposes, provided you respect the terms of the streaming service.
Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny 2025 isn’t just a music show—it’s a cultural ritual, weaving together the threads of nostalgia, hope, and the thrill of live performance, even when it’s not truly live. Whether you’re drawn by the big names, the rare collaborations, or simply the promise of ringing in the new year with a song, this is a night that refuses to fade into the background.
In a world where New Year’s Eve is often dominated by bombastic fireworks and forced sentimentality, Jools Holland’s Hootenanny stands apart: intimate, authentic, and quietly radical in its celebration of musical diversity and human connection. The show’s enduring appeal isn’t just about the stars—it’s about the spirit of togetherness, the unpredictability of collaboration, and the belief that, whatever the year may bring, music will always be there to carry us forward.