Celtic Connections 2025 in Scotland

Celtic Connections is a traditional Celtic wintertime music festival that attracts musicians with Celtic roots to Glasgow for an annual winter celebration of folk music. Held in the second half of January, the festival features over 300 events across multiple music genres, with more than 2,000 artists performing throughout the city.

Festival Events

Celtic Connections also offers a variety of social events, known as "leidhs," which celebrate Irish and Scottish folk music, traditional dancing, singing, and storytelling. The festival features a range of workshops such as Nigel's Big Session with Nigel Gatherer, Sing Puirt with Joy Dunlop, Come & Try Fiddle with Jamie Smith, and Introduction to 5-string Banjo with Garry McFadden. Participants can also join sessions like Making Your Own Cèilidh Band with John Carmichael and Sing Robert Burns Songs in Harmony with Amy Lord. The Festival Club, a hub for spontaneous musical collaborations, keeps the vibrant atmosphere alive well into the night.

2025 Music Lineup

The 2025 Celtic Connections festival presents a diverse lineup of artists, highlighting traditional, contemporary, and global music. Performers include Aly Bain, Aaron Jones, Ailsa Amador, Aurora Engine, Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, and An Dannsa Dub. The festival also features artists such as Abi Sampa, Ablaye Cissoko, Adam Sutherland, and Ampouailh. With a wide range of styles and influences, this year’s event offers a rich selection of musical performances.

Vanues

Celtic Connections takes place across iconic Glasgow venues including Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Old Fruitmarket, City Halls, and Barrowland Ballroom. Other notable spots include Tramway, Oran Mòr, Saint Luke's, Drygate Brewery, and SWG3. Smaller venues like The Hug and Pint and King Tut's offer intimate settings, making the festival a diverse celebration of music in the heart of Glasgow.

Tickets

Most tickets for Celtic Connections events range between £16 and £29, though some events are free to attend.