Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny returned to BBC Two on December 31, 2025, bringing together an eclectic mix of musicians to ring in the new year. The special edition, airing from 11:30 PM to 1:40 AM, featured Ronnie Wood as the headline act alongside a roster of established and emerging artists spanning multiple genres.
The annual tradition, now in its 32nd year, continued its format of pre-recorded performances set against a lively studio atmosphere. Viewers could catch the broadcast live on BBC Two or stream it afterward on BBC iPlayer. As a studio production filmed in advance, the event generated significant interest in its lineup and viewing logistics, though details about public attendance, tickets, and pricing remained unavailable from official sources.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025 Hootenanny, including confirmed lineup information, broadcast details, and answers to the most frequently asked questions surrounding the event.
What is the lineup for Jools Holland Hootenanny 2025?
The 2025 edition brought together a diverse array of talent, blending legendary performers with contemporary artists. Ronnie Wood, guitarist for The Rolling Stones, led the lineup and marked his own milestone with performances from his anthology Fearless, celebrating 60 years in music. His appearance anchored an evening that touched on rock, soul, jazz, and boogie-woogie traditions.
Key performers included:
- Ronnie Wood – The Rolling Stones guitarist performing tracks from his Fearless anthology to mark 60 years in music
- Olivia Dean – Neo-soul artist bringing contemporary R&B sensibilities
- Lulu – Scottish music icon returning to the Hootenanny stage
- Jessie J – Known for her powerhouse vocals and dynamic performances
- Craig David – Making his first Hootenanny appearance in 25 years
- Heather Small – M People frontwoman performing Moving on Up and Search for the Hero
- The Kooks – Bringing classics from Inside In/Inside Out alongside recent material from Never/Know
- Imelda May, Joe Webb, David Hermlin, and Ruby Turner – Representing jazz, soul, and boogie-woogie traditions
The evening featured a notable return for Craig David, whose last appearance at the Hootenanny was 25 years ago. Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra provided the house band support throughout the broadcast.
| Artist | Genre/Background | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie Wood | Rock (Rolling Stones) | Tracks from Fearless anthology |
| Olivia Dean | Neo-soul | Contemporary R&B set |
| Lulu | Pop/Scottish icon | Return performance |
| Jessie J | Pop/R&B | Powerhouse vocal performance |
| Craig David | R&B/Garage | First appearance in 25 years |
| Heather Small | Soul (M People) | Moving on Up, Search for the Hero |
| The Kooks | Indie rock | Classics and new material |
| Ruby Turner | Boogie-woogie | Queen of Boogie Woogie |
| Joe Webb | Jazz/Piano | Mercury Prize-shortlisted |
| Imelda May | Rockabilly/Jazz | Vocal and instrumental |
| David Hermlin | Drums/Vocals | Multi-instrumentalist |
When and where can I watch Jools Holland Hootenanny 2025?
Broadcast schedule and channel details
The Jools Holland Hootenanny 2025 aired on BBC Two on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, beginning at 11:30 PM. The program ran until 1:40 AM, crossing into New Year’s Day and providing viewers with music to carry them through the midnight celebration. The broadcast extended approximately two hours and ten minutes, consistent with previous editions of the annual special.
For those who missed the live broadcast or wished to rewatch performances, the episode became available on BBC iPlayer following its initial airing. The on-demand availability meant viewers could access the full lineup at their convenience in the days following the broadcast.
Viewing platforms and streaming options
The primary broadcast platform was BBC Two, which has aired the Hootenanny for decades as part of its New Year’s Eve programming. The show was also streamed live via the BBC iPlayer service for viewers with valid TV licenses, allowing real-time access on connected devices.
Unlike some music events, the Hootenanny was produced as a pre-recorded studio production. Filming took place earlier in December 2025, capturing performances in a setting designed to simulate a live atmosphere. This format allows for production quality control while maintaining the energy of a live show.
The Hootenanny was filmed in advance in December 2025, meaning the lively studio audience reactions were captured during production rather than on the night itself. Despite the pre-recorded nature, the atmosphere was designed to feel like a live celebration.
Are there tickets for Jools Holland Hootenanny 2025?
Understanding the event format
The Jools Holland Hootenanny operates as a television studio production rather than a public concert event. This distinction is crucial for understanding accessibility: no public tickets, pricing, or physical venue locations were available through official sources for the 2025 edition.
The event is filmed at a BBC studio facility, with audience members typically recruited through specific casting or audience ticket programs operated by the broadcaster. These studio seats are not sold through general public channels and are subject to BBC audience selection processes.
Alternatives for attending similar events
For viewers interested in experiencing Jools Holland’s musical offerings in person, alternative options exist throughout the year. Holland regularly tours with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, and these tour dates typically offer public ticket sales through standard concert venues.
As a studio television production, the Hootenanny does not operate a public ticket scheme. Attempts to purchase tickets or find pricing information through official BBC channels would not yield results, as the event is not designed for live audience attendance beyond production requirements.
What are the reviews for Jools Holland Hootenanny 2025?
At the time of available research, no professional reviews or critical assessments of the 2025 Hootenanny had been published. The recent nature of the broadcast—having aired on December 31, 2025—means that review coverage remained limited in publicly available sources.
This gap in coverage is typical for recently aired television events, where review cycles often lag behind initial broadcast dates. Professional music and television critics typically require several days to process and publish assessments following live or premiere content.
Viewer reactions and social media commentary provided immediate audience feedback, though formal critical reviews from established music and entertainment publications were not yet available in search results. Those seeking critical assessments may find coverage appearing in the weeks following the broadcast.
Due to the recent airing of the program, official reviews have not yet been published. BBC iPlayer remains the most reliable source for rewatching performances and forming personal assessments of the lineup.
Timeline: Jools Holland Hootenanny History
The Annual Hootenanny has evolved significantly since its inception, becoming a New Year’s Eve tradition for British television audiences. Key milestones include:
- 1993 – First Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny airs on BBC Two, establishing the New Year’s Eve tradition
- Early 2000s – Format solidifies with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as house band, featuring rotating guest artists
- 2012 – Show moves to its traditional late-night slot, running approximately 11:30 PM to 1:30 AM crossing into the new year
- 2020s – Continues broadcasting through the pandemic era with adjusted studio productions
- 2025 – Ronnie Wood headlines the 32nd edition, marking 60 years of his music career
The show has consistently featured a blend of established British musicians alongside emerging artists, creating a format that appeals to broad audiences while celebrating musical heritage. You can explore more about the history of the event on the Wikipedia page dedicated to the Hootenanny.
What we know and what remains unclear
| Confirmed Information | Unconfirmed or Unknown |
|---|---|
| Lineup: Ronnie Wood, Olivia Dean, Lulu, Jessie J, Craig David, Heather Small, The Kooks, Imelda May, Joe Webb, David Hermlin, Ruby Turner | Specific individual performance times |
| Broadcast: BBC Two, 11:30 PM to 1:40 AM, December 31, 2025 | Complete setlist for each artist |
| Format: Pre-recorded studio production | Official critical reviews and assessments |
| Streaming: Available on BBC iPlayer post-broadcast | Details for the 2026 edition |
| Host: Jools Holland with Rhythm & Blues Orchestra | Future lineup or artist announcements |
| Event type: Television studio production without public tickets | Specific studio location for production |
The research established clear facts about the broadcast, lineup, and viewing options while identifying notable gaps in public information. The absence of ticket, pricing, and location details reflects the television-only nature of the production rather than any oversight in reporting.
The Hootenanny tradition and its cultural significance
Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny has occupied a unique position in British New Year’s Eve television since 1993. The program represents one of the few remaining annual variety-style shows, bringing together musicians from disparate genres under a shared house band format.
The show’s enduring appeal lies in its format flexibility. Unlike award shows or concerts with rigid programming, the Hootenanny allows for spontaneous collaborations, genre-spanning performances, and the organic flow that comes from a master of ceremonies like Holland guiding proceedings with both musicianship and wit.
The 2025 edition continued this tradition while incorporating contemporary elements. Craig David’s return after 25 years exemplified the show’s ability to revisit musical histories, while artists like Olivia Dean represented the ongoing evolution of British music. The presence of jazz specialists like Mercury Prize-shortlisted pianist Joe Webb ensured the evening maintained the sophisticated musical standards the Hootenanny has cultivated.
Sources and official statements
The lineup for the 32nd edition of Jools’ Annual Hootenanny features Ronnie Wood as lead artist, alongside a diverse selection of performers spanning soul, pop, rock, and jazz traditions.
— BBC Media Centre announcement, December 2025
Official information came primarily from BBC sources, including the BBC Media Centre and program listings on BBC programmes. The Music-News publication provided detailed coverage of the lineup announcement, while RadioTimes offered broadcast scheduling specifics.
The Wikipedia entry on Jools’ Annual Hootenanny provided historical context and confirmed format details consistent with the 2025 edition.
Summary
Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny 2025 delivered a two-hour celebration of British music featuring Ronnie Wood as headline performer alongside artists including Olivia Dean, Lulu, Jessie J, Craig David, and others. The program aired on BBC Two from 11:30 PM to 1:40 AM on December 31, 2025, with on-demand availability on BBC iPlayer. As a studio television production, no public tickets or venue information applied. Reviews had not been published at the time of research due to the event’s recent airing. For those exploring related coverage, the Ozzy Osbourne BBC Documentary and Liam Gallagher Net Worth articles offer additional music-related content from The UK Daily.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a 2026 edition of the Jools Holland Hootenanny?
No information was available regarding a 2026 edition of the Hootenanny at the time of research. The program has aired annually, but specific plans for future editions had not been announced as of December 2025.
Can I buy tickets for the Jools Holland Hootenanny?
The Hootenanny is not a public concert event. It is produced as a television studio program without public ticket sales. Audience members are recruited through BBC casting processes rather than public purchase.
How long is the Jools Holland Hootenanny broadcast?
The 2025 edition ran from 11:30 PM to 1:40 AM, approximately two hours and ten minutes, crossing from December 31, 2025 into January 1, 2026.
Where can I watch the Hootenanny after it airs?
Full episodes are available on BBC iPlayer following the live broadcast, typically remaining available for several weeks.
Who hosted the Jools Holland Hootenanny 2025?
Jools Holland hosted and performed with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra throughout the broadcast, consistent with his role in every edition of the annual show.
Was the 2025 Hootenanny filmed live?
The program was pre-recorded earlier in December 2025 at a BBC studio facility. While the atmosphere simulated a live performance, the broadcast was not live on December 31.
What channel broadcasts the Hootenanny?
The program aired on BBC Two, which has been the traditional home for the Hootenanny since its inception.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.