Curtains close on Celtic Connections 2022
In-person performances at Europe's premier winter music festival Celtic Connections came to a close last night after almost three weeks of world-class concerts, exhibitions and screenings.
Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 7 February 2022 9:55
The 29th edition of the UK’s premiere celebration of roots music pivoted to a hybrid approach in light of the Omicron variant last month, preserving the 18-day festival and successfully staging around 60 spectacular in-person concerts, a number of intimate filming sessions and an exciting digital offering.
More than 500 artists were involved across the festival in shows that brought in more than 23,000 attendees to 18 venues right across Glasgow - from the famous Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and The Old Fruitmarket to the Mackintosh Church in the west end and Tramway in the south side of the city.
The online programme, which runs until 16th February, has already been enjoyed by thousands of viewers online from 31 countries around the world, including Japan, South Africa and Israel, with more than 700 minutes of exclusive programming to be enjoyed.
The Showcase Scotland international partner for Celtic Connections 2022 was Scotland’s celtic cousins Wales, with leading musicians taking to the stage for a series of brilliant performances across the closing weekend. Showcase Scotland took place online for a second year, so Wales will return in 2023 for a full in-person partnership, alongside Brittany. Musicians from both countries will feature when Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections returns for its 23rd year. The festival will present both leading and emerging Welsh and Breton artists during what is set to be an exciting and dynamic showcase.
The innumerable highlights this year included a show stopping torch-lit Shetland viking march through the streets of Glasgow, a spell-binding performance from Anoushka Shankar accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, several foot-stomping sell-out trad gigs and a unique strand of shows celebrating Scotland’s Year of Stories.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “Having been faced with such uncertainty at the turn of the year, we feel very fortunate to have preserved an 18-day festival and to have met disruption with innovation and creative solutions at every turn. It’s been a joy to provide a global platform for musicians and performers and to share our love and passion for performance with the world, while keeping those involved safe.
“We have showcased uplifting performances from some of folk’s brightest talent and brought that hugely sought after live-gig experience to thousands of festival attendees - all with a renewed sense of optimism and vigour. Thank you to everyone who stuck with us to make this year’s festival possible. We look forward to returning bigger and better again for our 30th year in 2023.”
Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Celtic Connections took on even greater significance this year for the thousands who were able to enjoy concerts and performances live or at home. The ability of the musicians, performers, festival and venue staff to produce such a wonderful series of events amid changing circumstances shows their determination to deliver this extraordinary showcase of celtic music. Celtic Connections has brought light to Glasgow again in the darkest winter days and given us all renewed hope for an uninterrupted year of concerts, festivals and performances.”
Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “It’s heartening to see audiences returning in such large numbers to the live events staged as part of Celtic Connections’s hybrid offering this year.
“As we begin our recovery from the pandemic, it’s important to support the rich array of festivals and events across the country. There is something for everyone.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The return of live performances at this year’s Celtic Connections allowed us to hear new music and catch up with old friends as the concert hall doors reopened. On top of this, a beautifully curated digital programme reached out to music fans at home in Scotland and across the world. While we share the disappointment of all the artists and audiences who had their gigs cancelled, the back-from-the-brink nature of Celtic Connections in 2022 has made us value the music we can share together all the more. Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who helped brighten our winter nights.”
Selected Celtic Connection shows are available to enjoy as part of an online pass until Wednesday 16 February.
The festival will also stage a number of rescheduled concerts later in the year including Isle of Skye electronic Celtic fusion band Niteworks on 22nd June and Scottish folk favourites Capercaillie on 23rd June, both of which will be joined on stage by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Details of other rescheduled performances are due to be announced including two captivating shows from Whisper the Song - the festival’s strand celebrating Scotland’s Year of Stories. Breathe, featuring Strathspey composer and multi-instrumentalist Hamish Napier and Scottish storyteller David Francis will highlight global climate change concerns through a collection of stories from Scotland’s natural world and Scotland-based Jamaican singer-songwriter iBrina will be joined by special guests for her Homage to Home.
Celtic Connections will return for its 30th anniversary edition from 19th January to 5th February 2023.
Sign up to be a Celtic Rover to enjoy exclusive pre-sales and discounts for next year’s festival.
Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.
For more information visit www.celticconnections.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Olivier Award nominated star announced as part of cast of The Bodyguard
Award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer when it comes to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Charity Super.Mkt marks 1 year milestone with longest serving location in Glasgow
The 'department store for second-hand style', Charity Super.Mkt, in Buchanan Galleries is celebrating one year this May, proudly marking its longest-running store to date.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Comedy giants get The Last Laugh in new show coming to Glasgow following EdFringe and West End runs
The Last Laugh will arrive at Glasgow's Theatre Royal this summer following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders
Original cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORE
Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location
Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!
Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORE
Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations
Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly
Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!
READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow
Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.
READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers
Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links