Celtic Connections unveils packed programme for 2026 Glasgow festival

Celtic Connections has unveiled a packed programme ahead of the music festival’s 2026 return.

The globally acclaimed showcase of trad, folk, roots and world music will return to the city in January for the 33rd edition of Europe’s biggest winter music festival.

The line-up includes the likes of Malian singer Rokia Koné, Cuban collective Buena Vista All Stars, Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, rock/pop band Skerryvore, and Scottish singer Rianne Downey, who has recently been touring with Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton.

The rich cultural traditions of Scotland’s song and storytelling will also be highlighted and celebrated across many of the programme’s events, including a special interpretation of the songs of Robert Burns, the Scottish ballads, and two special nights of Gaelic song, including Òran Ùr, celebrating 25 years of new Gaelic songs.

More than 300 events from major gigs to intimate performances will take place during the festival, which will run from Thursday, January 15 to Sunday, February 1.

The award-winning festival, delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Innis & Gunn, will head to more than 25 venues across the city, including the Barrowland Ballroom, Old Fruitmarket, King Tut’s, Pavilion Theatre, Óran Mòr, Saint Luke’s, and SWG3.

Trad on tap: Celtic Connections set to roll into Glasgow as 2026 programme launches. Celtic Connections

The newly refurbished Citizens Theatre will debut as a festival stage, and following the success of its first-ever music event at the start of this year, the Emirates Arena will join the programme again with another major show.

Around 1,200 artists will take part, and audiences in excess of 110,000 are expected to attend.

Celtic Connections creative producer, Donald Shaw, said: “At the very heart of our 33rd festival are celebration, collaboration and connection. We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world – from award-winning performers to young newcomers. And we can’t wait to welcome so many fantastic artists and acts to Glasgow in the new year to perform for our audiences in every corner of the city.

“Celtic Connections is a celebration of the boundless power of music to connect and inspire; to transcend borders and provide a platform where Scotland’s own musical might is matched by global talent.

“Our diverse programme showcases a wealth of musical genres and styles, and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that’s in store. As we champion the universal language of music, we invite lifelong music fans and curious newcomers to join us as there’s something magical waiting for everyone at Celtic Connections 2026.”

Culture secretary Angus Robertson said: “Celtic Connections continues to innovate and inspire musical and cultural collaboration. As one of Scotland’s foremost festivals showcasing the very best in folk, roots and international music, its outstanding and well-earned global reputation continues to grow.

“The Scottish Government is proud to support this ambitious programme with increased funding through our Festival EXPO Fund and I am excited to see what is on offer during Celtic Connections 2026.”

General tickets for the 2026 festival’s first tranche of confirmed shows go on sale at 10am on Thursday, October 16, at www.celticconnections.com.

Scores of gigs will be added to the programme in the run-up to the event.