Celtic Connections music festival comes to a close after 18-day run across Glasgow

A world-famous Scots music festival has come to a close after 18-days of musical events across Glasgow.

The Celtic Connections festival showcased 1,200 artists across 25 local venues from January 18 until February 4.

The winter festival, known for its eclectic mix of genres and inclusive atmosphere, is celebrating over 100 sold out shows across its 300 events alongside welcoming over 115,000 attendees.

This year’s Celtic Connection marked the 31st edition of the festival, having first started in 1994 and hosting 66 events at one single venue.

A spokesperson the the festival said it has grown more “adventurous, experimental and diverse” showcasing the best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music while nurturing unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.

The stacked list of celebrated performers in the folk genre including the likes of Grammy Winner Chris Thile, traditional music icons The Bothy Band and Grammy nominee Allison Russell.

Canadian songstress Allison Russell performed to a captivated crowd at Òran Mór. Supplied

Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil and Del Amitri’s Justin Currie took part in celebrating some of the Scotland’s most popular artists and famous songs.

The festival also hosted a tribute to Tiree accordionist Gordon Connell at the Old Fruitmarket in the form of a ceilidh, featuring many of the teacher’s former pupils including musicians from Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Tide Lines.

Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full swing over the course of the festival.

From composing tunes from scratch to having a go at the bagpipes and learning the ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse themselves in every facet of the festival, while the festival’s free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music of 8,000 school children from across Scotland over the course of four morning shows.

Creative producer for Celtic Connections, Donald Shaw, said that this year’s festival was a “testament” to the importance of the arts and music of the people.

“The richness of talent on display, the diverse range of genres and the infectious enthusiasm of the
audiences made this year’s edition truly special.

“It’s heartening to see the festival grow and evolve, bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, joined by a shared appreciation for music, art and cultural expression,” Mr Shaw said.

Glasgow Life chair, Bailie Annette Christie, echoed Shaw’s statement calling the festival a “spectacular” success.

She said: “This 31st edition of Celtic Connections has not only demonstrated how internationally renowned
and much-loved this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how immeasurably important it is to
Glasgow and to Scotland – and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in future years.”