Celtic Connections confirm shows axed amid Covid uncertainty

Celtic Connections bosses have confirmed that a “number of shows and elements” of this year’s festival have been cancelled amid uncertainty due to the rise of the Omicron Covid variant.

The annual Glasgow folk music festival was due to kick off on Thursday January 20 after last year’s online offering but have now said the “majority” of shows will be affected by some form of restriction.

A festival statement said: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm a number of shows and elements within the Celtic Connections 2022 programme are no longer able to go ahead.

“We are in the process of contacting impacted artists regarding cancellations and expect the majority of shows to be affected by restrictions in some way.

“Our ambition for the 29th edition of the festival was to bring everyone together once again, however the uncertainty and disruption caused by the Omicron variant has meant it is not feasible for us to continue with our existing plans on the scale we had originally hoped.

“Artists and ticketholders for the shows affected so far are being contacted directly and we would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and patience.”

“We are also encouraging all artists impacted to apply to the Creative Scotland Covid-19 Cancellation Fund for Creative Freelancers to help with financial support during this difficult and uncertain time.

“We have not come to these decisions lightly and are committed to presenting a form of the festival which brings the connection and joy of Celtic Connections to audiences, while being both feasible and safe for all involved.”

This year’s Celtic Connections is the 29th edition of the Glasgow festival, which features folk, world and roots musicians from all over the world.

More than 1000 musicians were due to descend on the city for the 18-day programme of events.