Mark Knopfler bestowed with special honour as legendary line up is revealed
Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music, Hoolie in the Hydro, will return to the OVO Hydro on Saturday 12 December 2026, and will this year take its inspiration from one of Scotland’s most iconic films, as it welcomes another legendary line up.
Inspired by the beloved 1983 film Local Hero, Hoolie 2026 will celebrate Scottish music’s own heroes who have helped shape the country’s flourishing traditional music scene.
The man behind the timeless film score, Glasgow-born singer, songwriter, composer and Dire Straits founding member Mark Knopfler, will also be formally inducted into Hands Up For Trad’s Traditional Music Hall of Fame as part of the celebrations.
The soundtrack to Local Hero was Knopfler’s first ever movie soundtrack, with its most famous tracks like Going Home capturing the spirit of Scotland, resonating with Scots worldwide, and creating a creative ripple effect through the sector. Director Bill Forsyth, a fellow son of Glasgow, also celebrates his 80th birthday this week.
Heroes gracing the stage of the fifth Hoolie in the Hydro include some of Scottish trad music’s best bands include the mighty Celtic outfit Mànran, founded by the event’s organiser Gary Innes, and Beluga Lagoon, who make a welcome return after getting a phenomenal reaction from fans at the OVO Hydro last year.
Beloved Orcadian band The Chair and the incredible Blazin’ Fiddles will each make their Hoolie debuts, having racked up half a century on the Scottish trad scene between them.
In what has become somewhat of a tradition, the evening will culminate in a spectacular finale featuring a who’s who of performers. This year the event will welcome Runrig founding member Donnie Munro, Caledonia singer Dougie MacLean, the inimitable Karine Polwart, songstress Julie Fowlis and Gaelic music cult figure Ruairidh Gray, amongst others to be announced.
Later this year, the event will also embark on a hunt for everyday local heroes, with people encouraged to nominate those that make a difference in their community. The individuals will then be honoured as part of the night.
The 2026 edition of Hoolie also welcomes Beatson Cancer Charity as its 2026 charity partner.
Hoolie in the Hydro organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: “Somehow the fifth Hoolie in the Hydro is on the horizon, and what a cracker it’s going to be! The story of Local Hero is one of people, place and belonging and that couldn’t be more fitting for these celebrations – we’ll be channelling all of that nostalgia, pride and musical artistry.
“It will be a real privilege to recognise Mark Knopfler’s incredible contribution to Scottish music here in the city of his birth, as well as celebrating our own heroes of the trad scene who have done so much to share the music and inspire new generations.
“Hoolie in the Hydro was created because I believed Scotland’s own music belonged on its biggest stages. Five years on, thanks to the audiences and artists, it feels like Hoolie has become a tradition in its own right, and we can’t wait for another unforgettable night.”
Mark Knopfler said: “It’s an honour to be inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. One of my earliest memories of Glasgow is singing the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. I was two years old. I still sing it now. There’s no doubt that Highland music influenced everything I ever did musically. Whether you take the high road or the low road, the Hoolie in the Hydro: Local Hero on 12 December will be a special event.”
Donnie Munro said: “Scottish music has this extraordinary ability to bring people together. It tells our stories, celebrates our communities and connects generations in a way few things can. It’s a privilege to be a part of the event, and I know this year’s audience is in for a very special night.”
Launched in 2022, Hoolie in the Hydro has become a stand-out night in Scotland’s cultural calendar, growing year on year. Previous editions included a tribute to Sir Billy Connolly and a celebration of the music of Runrig, while the event also travelled over the Atlantic for a New York edition in Carnegie Hall, hosted by Alan Cumming.
Hoolie in the Hydro: Local Hero will take place on Saturday 12 December 2026 and tickets are on sale now at www.ovohydro.com/events/detail/hoolie-in-the-hydro-2026.