Thousands are set to descend on Glasgow as “world-renowned” music festival Celtic Connections returns to the city.
Over the next 18 days, the UNESCO City of Music will welcome ‘the music of the people’ as part of the 32nd festival, turning Glasgow into an epicentre of traditional, folk, world and roots music,
The festival, hosted by Glasgow Life, will see performers take to the stage at numerous venues across the city to help banish the January blues.
Around 1,200 musicians and artists from 20 countries will perform at 300 events across 25 venues, with estimated attendances in the region of 110,000.
Celebrations will kick off at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Thursday with a sold-out opening concert featuring a surprise list of talent representing the past, present and future of Glasgow’s cultural community.
STV NewsSinger Paul McKenna said the festival “means the world” to him.
“It’s always great to be involved in Celtic Connections, especially when you’re from Glasgow, so special playing a show at home.
“But to be involved in the opening concert is just that little bit extra, extra special. So to be playing on here is always a kind of pinch-yourself moment,” he added.
From Thursday until February 2, headline names from home and abroad will captivate audiences, including KT Tunstall, Lyle Lovett, Madison Cunningham, Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, Lady Blackbird, Karine Polwart, and hundreds more.
The festival’s bill spans ten genres, including indie, Americana, jazz, and orchestral and many folkie festival favourites return with shows guaranteed to get audiences on their feet.
Celtic ConnectionsThis year’s festival kicks off the cultural calendar for Scotland, as well as marking the beginning of celebrations commemorating Glasgow’s 850th anniversary.
Donald Shaw, creative producer for Celtic Connections, said the festival will showcase the “sheer vibrancy and significance of our country’s cultural scene” and raise the profile of traditional music, in its many facets.
“Celtic Connections is like the world’s biggest traditional music session – everywhere you look there is music to be found,” he said.
“Folk music, the music of the people, is evident more than ever in the eclectic trad sessions across Glasgow throughout the year, and can be encountered on almost every stage across the city at Celtic Connections over the next 18 days.’’
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said the festival is a staple of the city’s calendar and “shines a spotlight” on Glasgow’s status as a UNESCO City of Music.
“With a diverse programme across a mix of genres, it’s easy to see why Celtic Connections is much-loved by audiences and musicians from near and far,” she said.
She added: “There is a buzz about Glasgow in January thanks to Celtic Connections warming up the dark winter nights. It is an annual highlight to see thousands of people visit the city and enjoy everything this wonderful festival has to offer.”
Culture secretary Angus Robertson said: “We’re delighted to support Celtic Connections once again through £100,000 from the Scottish Government’s 2024-25 EXPO Fund, which will help deliver this year’s festival, including the spectacular opening concert marking Glasgow’s 850th anniversary.
“Celtic Connections is an unrivalled celebration of Scotland’s cultural heritage, bringing together world-class talent and showcasing our rich musical traditions to a global audience.
“As Glasgow marks 850 years, this iconic festival is a shining example of the city’s creative spirit and enduring love of music. With thousands of musicians from 20 countries set to perform, this year’s Celtic Connections promises to be another unforgettable event that will inspire audiences at home and around the world.”
The full programme for Celtic Connections 2025 in partnership with Innis & Gunn can be viewed at the official website.
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