Celtic Connections transforms Glasgow in the depths of winter into a vibrant hub of musical celebration, bringing light and warmth to Scotland's cultural calendar during January and February. This internationally renowned festival spans 18 days and features over 300 events across multiple venues throughout the city, from the iconic Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to intimate bars and community spaces. What began in 1994 as a modest event has grown into one of the world's leading celebrations of Celtic music and its global connections.
At its heart, Celtic Connections celebrates traditional Scottish music while exploring its relationships with cultures and musical traditions worldwide. The festival's programming extends far beyond conventional definitions of Celtic music to embrace folk, roots, world music, and collaborations that cross genres and cultural boundaries. This openness has led to unique artistic partnerships and one-off performances that have become legendary among festival attendees, with spontaneous late-night sessions often proving as memorable as the main concerts.
Beyond performances, Celtic Connections offers a comprehensive educational program that includes workshops, talks, and masterclasses. The festival's commitment to nurturing new talent is evident in its Young Tradition and Danny Kyle Open Stage series, which provide platforms for emerging artists to showcase their skills. This focus on education and development ensures the traditions celebrated at the festival continue to evolve and remain vibrant for future generations.
The atmosphere of Celtic Connections is uniquely welcoming, creating a sense of community among musicians and audiences from across the globe. The festival's timing in the post-holiday winter months offers a cultural beacon that draws visitors to Glasgow during an otherwise quiet tourism period, transforming the city into an international gathering place where musical traditions are shared, celebrated, and reimagined through collaborative exploration and performance.
Celtic connections
Celtic Connections is Scotland's premier winter music festival held across multiple venues in Glasgow, celebrating Celtic music's connections with cultures across the globe through an extensive program of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, and workshops during January and February.
Europe/London
