As Christmas and New Year hurtle ever closer – capping off another phenomenal 12 months of Irish music, sport, film, literature and more  – we're thrilled to present the brand new Hot Press Annual!

Inside, the HP critics deliver their verdict on 2024 – including the albums, tracks, movies, books, quotes, photos, and happenings of the year...

Plus:

On the back of all-conquering year, Deego of rock kingpins Fontaines D.C. talks to Will Russell about the band's Hot Press Album of the Year winner, Romance; life in the limelight; playing arenas; politics; and plenty more besides...

Fontaines D.C. - Credit: Theo Cottle

As KNEECAP are crowned our ‘Phenomenon Of The Year’ – off the back of their acclaimed feature film, debut album, sold-out shows, and strong stance against injustice and genocide – Lucy O'Toole catches up with Mo Chara to talk legal battles, oppressed languages, Palestine, Fontaines D.C., Glastonbury, and a united Ireland...

Kneecap at Vicar Street. Copyright @ Jason Doherty.

Dance star Jazzy talks to Riccardo Dwyer about a stellar 2024, which saw her win awards, break records, and cement her status as one of the most gifted young artists in Irish music...

Jazzy at Longitude 2024. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

In this year's Round Table, Stuart Clark reflects on all the musical and cultural happenings of the past 12 months, with the help of a selection of Irish stars – including Lyra, The Mary Wallopers' Roisin Barrett, Gurriers, Curtisy and hotgirl's Ashley Abbedeen...

Gurriers at the Hot Press Christmas Roundtable

From securing gold and bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, to learning to surf, attending his first concert, and sharing a red carpet with Paul Mescal, it’s been an unforgettable 2024 across the board for Daniel Wiffen. He takes us through some of the highlights – and looks ahead to what’s next...

Olympics Homecoming at O'Connell Street. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Pauline Scanlon and MayKay of Irish Artists for Palestine discuss their vital ongoing work and activism – and how everyone can make a contribution to the Palestinian cause.

With the hotly anticipated biopic A Complete Unknown – in which Timothée Chalamet gives a bravura lead performance – about to arrive, Jackie Hayden considers Bob Dylan’s singular impact on the history of music and pop culture...

Mary Black, Tracy Clifford, Hector Ó hEochagáin, Jessica Reynolds and more share their highlights of 2024...

Anna Rice chats to Paul Nolan about winning a prestigious prize at the European Film Composer Awards, for her work on Gary Lennon’s powerful documentary I Dream In Photos...

Irish trad collective BIIRD – our 'Supergroup Of The Year' – reflect on a major 2024, including enormous sold-out shows and high-profile festival dates...

Paul O'Mahony reflects on another eventful season for women's soccer, which saw Athlone Town and Galway United shaking up the league...

And that's just a taste of what you can expect to find in this absolutely action-packed Annual!

Copies are en route to shops now – and available to order online below: