Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.

Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 16 October 2024 17:50

Celtic Connections, the premiere winter festival and international celebration of Celtic music, will illuminate stages across Glasgow from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February, eclipsing dark winter nights with a kaleidoscope of internationally-renowned music, exciting new performances, unique showcases and one-off collaborations.

Demonstrating just why Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music, the festival, delivered by Glasgow Life, will fill around 25 venues on both sides of the Clyde with around 300 events across 18 days, anticipating around 110,000 visitors and an estimated 1,200 musicians and artists.

Now in its 32nd year and almost five times the size it was when it began in 1994, Celtic Connections continues to push the envelope of artistic programming and ambition.

The festival’s 2025 bill spans a myriad of genres, from acoustic, traditional, Americana and orchestral to indie, jazz, blues, experimental and more. The event will welcome artists from around 20 countries around the world including Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, France, Italy, Nigeria, Spain, Wales, Ireland, Republic of the Congo and many more.

This year will also see the launch of a new under-26s pass, giving young music fans an opportunity to access rolling discounts on a mix of shows and ensuring the magic of the festival continues to be accessible to as wide a range of audiences as possible.

Glasgow’s much-loved venues, famous for having the “best fans in the world”, are set to give artists a welcome warm enough to heat the chilliest of evenings. Iconic locations the length and breadth of Glasgow are involved include The Old Fruitmarket, Barrowland Ballroom, SWG3, Saint Luke’s and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Celtic Connections will also make history when Peat and Diesel become the first band ever to play at the Emirates Arena in the city’s east end.

General tickets for the festival go on sale at 10am, Wednesday 16 October 2024 at www.celticconnections.com

Celtic Connections 2025 programme highlights include:

● The festival’s iconic annual Opening Concert will once again raise the roof with an epic marking of Glasgow 850, heralding the start of the city’s year-long 850th birthday celebration. ‘Let Glasgow Flourish’ is the motto on the city’s coat of arms, and this unique concert will pay tribute to the city’s rich artistic heritage and flourishing future through a special night of surprises incorporating music, spoken-word, dance and film. Celebrating the scale and calibre of incredible musicians, artists and poets Glasgow has produced and inspired, and how this has fed into the very bloodstream of Celtic Connections, the concert will feature unique collaborations from well-kent faces, emerging stars of the future, surprise guests and commissioned performances and film.

● Multi GRAMMY-award-winning Americana singer Lyle Lovett will make his long-awaited debut at the festival when he headlines this January. The revered singer-songwriter will perform at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with his acoustic group for what is sure to be a spectacular show from the American icon.

● More women than ever before will lead high-profile shows this year, reflecting the continued growth and wealth of incredible female talent, both new and emerging. Among many, these include: KT Tunstall, who reflects on 20 years of her beloved album Eye to the Telescope with a night at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and an already sold-out show at the Barrowland Ballroom; the young Grammy award-winning American artist Madison Cunningham; the powerful jazz and soul singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird; Scots Singer of the Year Beth Malcolm will showcase her forthcoming new album with a headline show at Barony Hall; and sensational Sufi singer Abi Sampa, who fronts the captivating Orchestral Qawwali Project uniquely combining Sufi poetry, Indian classical dance and orchestral arrangements.

● Homegrown female talent in the form of Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis will also bring landmark shows to the 2025 festival. Multi-award-winning Scottish songwriter, folk singer and storyteller Karine Polwart will have a headline show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for the very first time in her 25-year career. Karine will create a 300-strong choir made up of choral singers from across Scotland to fill the stage and choir stalls for this dream show arranged by choirmaster Stephen Deazley. Celebrated Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis will undertake her first orchestral commission at the festival with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and her Scots-Irish quartet Allt which, alongside her, features Zoë Conway, Éamon Doorley and John McIntyre.

● Western Isles wonders Peat and Diesel will play their biggest ever show and make history as the first band ever to play at the Emirates Arena in the city’s east end; while much-loved Glaswegian indie pop legends The Bluebells will have the Barrowland Ballroom crowd feeling ‘young at heart’ for their first ever outing at the festival.

● Iconic folk band Breabach will perform a specially commissioned show with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) featuring brand new arrangements by Big Band arrangers from around Europe. The SNJO will also host a night entitled Nu-Age Sounds: PLANET WORLD at The Old Fruitmarket, showcasing up and coming Scottish jazz acts including Mercury Prize nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie and jazz singer kitti. Elsewhere, SAY Award shortlisted corto.alto will bring their electronica and folk-infused jazz to Barrowland Ballroom, backed by a lauded bill of the most promising jazz talent in Scotland including Bemz, Pippa Blundell, Becky Sikasa and JSPHYNX.

● The very best in world music acts will once again be welcomed to the Celtic Connections line up. Fronted by London-born Nigerian singer Eno Williams, Ibibio Sound Machine will play the Tramway. A clash of African and electronic elements, the outfit is inspired by the golden era of West-African funk and disco and modern post-punk and electro. Femi Kuti & The Positive Force will also bring their iconic live show to Scotland. The eldest son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi will showcase his jubilant energy and distinctive voice to a Glasgow Royal Concert Hall audience.

● Scottish folk four-piece Malinky will stage a special 25th anniversary concert, with a host of special guests lovingly performing their extensive back catalogue of material, which importantly carries the flame of tradition, cherishing folk songs, ballads and stories and the lessons they convey.

● Finnish band Frigg present their extraordinary mix of Scandi folk and traditional tunes in a unique collaboration with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and Jim Sutherland's multi-award-winning score When Fish Begin to Crawl will be performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in a celebration of the Flow Country’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising stars of the Glasgow trad scene TRIP perform a headline show with extended line-up in The Old Fruitmarket, as well as featuring in the acclaimed show Moving Cloud at The Theatre Royal, alongside Scottish Dance Theatre and special guest Brìghde Chaimbeul.

● Gaelic music, language and culture will be at the forefront of celebrations for Ceòlas @ 30 as one of Scotland’s most prestigious national Gaelic organisations celebrates its 30th summer school on the island of South Uist. This crossover night of Gaelic song and Hebridean music and piping will light up The Old Fruitmarket on the festival’s final weekend.

● Transatlantic connections will be upheld when American folk-roots pop singer-songwriter Josh Rouse celebrates the 10th birthday of his famous album Nashville, Bluegrass sensations Hawktail appear for the first time at the festival, and Lake Street Dive fly in from Boston to share their avant-garde Americana sound with Celtic Connections fans. Transatlantic Sessions celebrates 30 years since the first TV episode aired, with its’ familiar irresistible foray into the roots of Americana music with an all-star house band, led by Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, and featuring guest vocalists Loudon Wainwright III, Julie Fowlis, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams and Ireland’s Niall McCabe.

● Following on from last year’s televised sold out shows, Roddy Hart’s Roaming Roots Revue returns with Icons Vol. 1. Backed by a 60-piece orchestra of students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Roddy’s own house band Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire, this year’s show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will welcome Yola, Villagers, Nadine Shah, Hamish Hawk, Ed Harcourt, Jill Jackson, Withered Hand & Kathryn Williams, and Phil Campbell as they celebrate greats like Elton John, The Beatles and Bowie.

● A host of familiar faces of much-loved traditional music talent will have crowds jumping across the 18 days, including beloved Gaels Trail West who return to the festival for the first time in a decade as they mark the beginning of 15 years as a band; the progressive Elephant Sessions whose live show is famed for its electrifying atmosphere; beloved Orkney stomp purveyors The Chair will headline the Barrowland Ballroom; and Dervish, who will perform a special Irish Songbook show, with support from folk rock duo Indigo Girls. In a unique triple bill concert across the generations, the opening weekend at the Barrowland Ballroom will feature Mec Lir, Kinnaris Quintet and iconic Irish band Four Men and a Dog.

● Celtic Connections’ New Voices strand each year commissions groundbreaking new bodies of work from three emerging Scottish artists. The honour this year goes to BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021 pianist Michael Biggins, Skye-born and Glasgow-based exciting young harpist Ciorstaidh Beaton and hugely promising tenor banjo talent Ciaran Ryan.

● Scotland’s Celtic cousins Ireland will be the partner country for this year’s Showcase Scotland – a part of the festival which fosters international collaboration. With support from Culture Ireland, the very best in traditional and contemporary Irish music will be celebrated across the festival’s stages including Niamh Bury Trio, Nuala Kennedy & Eamonn O’Leary, Córas Trio, Fiárock, Grainne Hunt and Leonard Barry Trio.

● Other favourites across the festival will return including the In the Tradition series, dementia-friendly concerts, ceilidhs, late night sessions, and pop-up performances at the Festival Club, screenings, workshops, the Scottish National Whisky Festival and a thriving education programme including children’s concerts that will benefit thousands of youngsters across Glasgow.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “We are incredibly proud of Celtic Connections’ place as an ecosystem for new music and art. In 2025 we are bringing together international icons with emerging acts to create career-defining performances and never-seen-before collaborations, not to mention great nights out for our audiences.

“Celtic Connections went from being primarily a Glasgow festival, to a national festival, to an international flagship event. Like many acts on our line up, we have expanded in size and ambition over the years, drawing inspiration from the old tradition and the boundless possibilities of contemporary music. Through it all, Glasgow remains at our heart, so to open the festival in celebration of our city’s artistic clout is incredibly special. Audiences can expect a night of secret surprises that we hope will bring a real sense of magic and anticipation to the first night of the festival, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.

“As a forward-thinking festival which always looks to embrace new opportunities and spaces for performance, we’re very excited to be staging a pilot music event in the Emirates Arena, creating a new experience for audiences and extending our reach into the east end of the city.

“In the last 20 years traditional music has entered the mainstream, it’s embraced in our pubs and biggest venues, and we will once again drive the genre’s appeal, profile and potential forward in our 2025 artistic commissions. If you think Glasgow in January isn’t the place to be – you just haven’t ever been to Celtic Connections.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Celtic Connections is always an outstanding part of Scotland’s cultural calendar when Glasgow welcomes superb musicians from across the globe to showcase their wealth of musical abilities. Spectacular performances warm up the winter nights at many of Glasgow’s most loved, and sometimes surprising, music venues. The festival helps enhance Glasgow’s status as a UNESCO City of Music and the city’s reputation as a world-class cultural destination.

“This year’s ambitious programme features a diverse line-up of homegrown and international artists and ranges from emerging talent to award-winning acts. Celtic Connections will have something for everyone, from intimate performances and exciting one-off collaborations to impressive large-scale shows. None more so than the Opening Concert, which will kick off Glasgow’s 850th birthday celebrations in style.”

Creative Scotland Head of Music, Alan Morrison said: “If there’s one thing to look forward to as the nights start to draw in, it’s the knowledge that tickets will soon be on sale for next year’s Celtic Connections. A peek at the highlights of the 2025 edition is enough to prove why this has become one of the world’s largest and most important winter music festivals. Local talent stands tall alongside incredible international artists, as a global beat crosses over our own traditional tunes. Creative Scotland is proud to support such a heady mix of wonderful music.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Celtic Connections continues to grow its global reputation as one of Scotland’s foremost festivals and an event we are proud to support, bringing together world-class talent and showcasing the very best in folk, roots, and international music.

“This year’s programme unites artists, traditions, and audiences from around the globe in a truly unique celebration. The festival continues to innovate and inspire musical and cultural collaboration, offering something extraordinary for everyone and I’m excited about what’s on offer in Glasgow.”

Celtic Connections 2025 will take place from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February. General tickets go on sale at 10am, Wednesday 16 October 2024, with advance tickets on sale now for Celtic Rovers festival supporters.

The programme can be viewed in full and tickets purchased at www.celticconnections.com

Image: New Voice artist - Ciaran Ryan, Michael Biggins and Ciorstaidh Beaton

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile

itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!

Everything you need to know for Glasgow Cocktail Festival

The highly anticipated Glasgow Cocktail Festival, a 10-day cocktail extravaganza, is making its debut this Friday, 29th August, celebrating the best of Glasgow mixology!

Glasgow school mistress takes on new role at Mackintosh at the Willow

A beloved Victorian school mistress, who has taught and terrified generations of pupils during school visits, is carrying on her lessons through Mackintosh at the Willow's school engagement programme.

Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage

People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025 programme celebrates iconic visionaries

One of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, will celebrate the visionaries that have helped shape the city into what it is today.

Glasgow Life community touring programme full of music, theatre and fun returns this autumn and winter

Glasgow Life's community touring programme will bring musical, theatrical and interactive shows and events to venues across Glasgow in its upcoming season!

Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.

Glasgow celebrates as Citizens Theatre reopens with Homecoming Festival

The Citizens Theatre reopened its doors at the weekend after a 7-year redevelopment welcoming everybody to its Homecoming celebrations.

Cameron House invests in spa transformation

Cameron House, the iconic five-star resort on the banks of Loch Lomond, has unveiled a £300,000 redesign of its award-winning Cameron Spa.

Scream to win your way into the IRN BRU Carnival

Scotland's family favourite and Europe's largest indoor fun fair, the IRN-BRU Carnival, is back for the 2025 season with tickets launching on 28th August at 10am for eager thrill seekers!

Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today

Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.

Monster Jam roars back into Glasgow

Don't miss ramped up fun for the whole family at Monster Jam Ramped Up as Glasgow roars to life, back by popular demand!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers The Play by John Cleese

Joanne Clifton, Danny Bayne and Paul Nicholas are the latest additions to the cast of Fawlty Towers - The Play by John Cleese, which comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in January!

Aldi calls on charities in Glasgow to register for food donations

Aldi is inviting charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up to receive regular food donations from its stores.

Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities

Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.

Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled

The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.

Glasgow fitness coach takes on Off the Beatson Track after cancer diagnosis

A Glasgow fitness coach who was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year is set to take on Off the Beatson Track on Sunday, 24th August, with his family by his side.

HARIBO store opening in Silverburn just weeks away

HARIBO UK will open its first ever store in Scotland at Silverburn Glasgow in just three weeks' time, on Tuesday 9th September!

Record breaking year for biggest bagpipe festival in the world

Scotland's annual celebration of bagpipes, Piping Live!, that had over 30,000 attendances last week, ended on Friday with an impressive evening of folk held in one of the city's most notable venues.

VIEVE to return to Buchanan Galleries with four month pop up experience

Cult-favourite beauty brand, VIEVE, founded by Glasgow makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, is making a highly anticipated return to Buchanan Galleries this month.

New Rewards app Shuffle launches in Edinburgh and Glasgow, rewarding diners and backing local hospitality

The first 1,000 people to join will receive six months of free access when Shuffle officially launches, along with an exclusive 40% cash reward on the first use of the app.

Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025

Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.

Inveraray & District Pipe Band take the title of 2025 World Pipe Band Champions

The 2025 World Pipe Band Championships concluded in Glasgow on Saturday with last year’s winners, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, retaining the top title.

Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies

From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!

Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now

One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!

Global fashion brand Bershka opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Spanish fashion brand Bershka has joined the line up at Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, marking its first Glasgow store and second in Scotland.

Holby City and Hollyoaks actors join cast of Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Glynis Barber as Salome Otterbourne and Bob Barrett as Colonel Race are set to join Mark Hadfield as Hercule Poirot when Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile comes to Glasgow!

Glow and Behold: VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow unveils extensive refurbishment

Glasgow's favourite sky-high bar and restaurant has unveiled a stunning new refurbishment, significantly enhancing the space and debuting one of the city's most exciting new bar concepts.

Glasgow Cocktail Week marks six weeks to go by extending to 14 days with a new name, Glasgow Cocktail Fortnight

With six weeks to go until the city’s annual cocktail festival, Glasgow Cocktail Week is raising a glass to its biggest-ever programme, and a brand-new name for 2025.

Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings