About Celtic Connections
Celtic Connections is a winter festival of folk, roots and world music held every January in Glasgow. It began in 1994 and is run by Glasgow Life, the city's culture and sport charity. Donald Shaw, a founder of the band Capercaillie, has been artistic director since 2006. Over its history the festival has grown from a celebration of Scottish and Irish traditional music into a broad programme that brings together artists from across the world.
Events run in about 25 venues, from Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and large arenas to churches, theatres and small clubs. Alongside concerts, the festival hosts ceilidhs, late-night sessions, talks, workshops, education projects and the Showcase Scotland trade event for international promoters.
The 2026 festival ran from 15 January to 1 February. It brought together around 1,600 artists across about 300 events, and attendance reached roughly 114,000.
The 34th Celtic Connections takes place from 14 to 31 January 2027. The opening concert is a world premiere from the GRIT Orchestra. Highlights announced include The Saw Doctors and AR Rahman at the Glasgow International Arena, along with Newton Faulkner, José González, King Creosote, and Ye Vagabonds performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The Roaming Roots Revue returns with a programme of Beatles songs.
Tickets are sold per event through the festival website, with prices varying by venue and performer. The New Roots scheme offers people aged under 26 a £1 membership that unlocks discounted tickets, which aims to bring younger audiences to traditional and roots music.
Because events spread across the city and run late into the night, visitors can see several shows in one day and catch informal sessions afterwards. January in Glasgow is cold and dark, and the festival has become a fixture that fills the city's venues during one of the quietest months of the year.
Celtic Connections lineup
9 artistsCeltic Connections in photos
Image credits
- Main photo: Jrtorerenuiarua / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Photo 1: Rachelkeenan9 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Photos may be resized or cropped. Logos belong to their festivals.
Frequently asked
When is Celtic Connections 2027?
14 to 31 January 2027, across venues in Glasgow.
Who is playing?
Highlights include the GRIT Orchestra, The Saw Doctors, AR Rahman, Newton Faulkner, José González, King Creosote and Ye Vagabonds with the BBC SSO.
How are tickets sold?
Per event through the festival website, with prices varying by show.
Are there discounts for young people?
Yes. Under-26s can join the New Roots scheme for £1 to get discounted tickets.
Who runs the festival?
Glasgow Life, with Donald Shaw as artistic director.
Contact the festival
Last verified 2026-10-20. Dates, prices and lineups change — always confirm on the official festival site before booking.