Is Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny live?

Is it really New Year's Eve without Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny?

Taking over BBC Two to close out the year, the 67-year-old has become the face of New Year's celebrations for many – and, as ever, will be joined by an array of musical guests to rock and roll everyone into 2026.

Offering an alternative to BBC One's Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year's Eve Party, the pianist and TV presenter's eclectic mix of musicians and performers will, no doubt, attract a huge audience of those looking to toast the end of 2025 from the comfort of their living rooms.

And tonight, the icon is joined by the likes of Olivia Dean, Heather Small and Craig David to name a few.

But will Jools and chums be counting down to 2025 in real-time, alongside those watching from home? Read on to find out whether Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny is live on New Year's Eve or if it's all pre-recorded.

Is Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny live?

No, Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny is not live. Although the show is broadcast 'as live' on New Year's Eve – and even features a countdown to midnight and a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne – the Hootenanny is filmed earlier in December.

The BBC has previously described the Hootenanny as an "idealised New Year's Eve party with a line-up that would surely be impossible to deliver on 31st December".

As well as those mentioned above, this year's Hootenanny has a guest list including Lulu, Jessie J, The Kooks, Imelda May, Joe Webb, David Hermlin and Ruby Turner.

Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny airs on Saturday 31st December at 11:30pm on BBC Two.

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