Glasgow counts down to premier winter festival Celtic Connections 2025

Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, is counting down to hosting the premier winter festival Celtic Connections, in partnership with Innis & Gunn.

Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 7 January 2025 9:43

In less than two weeks, the city will be brimming with the world’s best roots, world and folk music.

An estimated 1,200 musicians and artists from 20 countries will be in Glasgow between Thursday 16 January and Sunday 2 February. Around 300 events will take place in 25 venues across the city as part of the internationally renowned event delivered by Glasgow Life.

Celtic Connections is a truly global showcase. The performers descending on Glasgow are coming from as far as Australia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Bulgaria and many more countries for another of the festival’s most extensive editions to date.

The glittering bill features one-off commissions and collaborations, debut performances and premiers, internationally renowned artists, and the biggest shows some musicians have ever staged. There will also be ceilidhs, workshops, screenings, book launches, dementia-friendly performances, recitals, and talks.

Months of careful planning for the 32nd edition of Celtic Connections are almost complete as the festival gears up for attendances in the region of 110,000 across its 18 days. People from near and far will be drawn out on the dark winter nights for the unparalleled, shared experience of live music and the emotion, joy, connection and magic it ignites.

Celtic Connections 2025 will open with its iconic Opening Concert, this year celebrating 850 years of its home, Glasgow. With a secret line up that’s under wraps, the show will epitomise the city’s motto – Let Glasgow Flourish – and give audiences moment after moment of unexpected delight.

From there, a myriad of performances and activities – up to 33 a day – will follow. With everything from acoustic and folk music and roots, Americana and indie to world, jazz and blues and experimental and orchestral music on offer, the festival’s genres and audience are vast.

Always keen to be at the forefront of innovation, a new Under 26 Community launched for the 2025 festival, giving younger fans access to exclusive discounts. The Emirates Arena will also be piloted as a music venue, and 2025 marks the start of a new five-year headline partnership deal with fellow Scottish household name Innis & Gunn.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “With this festival, the clue is in the name – it’s all about connection and the sense of belonging and joy that comes with that. Dark, dreary January nights are replaced with rooms full of song and an unbeatable warmth that Glasgow’s people and music are famed for. As the festival continues to break new ground in our programming, scale and ambition, it’s incredible to see more new faces join us in the audience each year. There’s 18 days, 10 genres, 25 venues and 1,200 musicians – audiences really are spoiled for choice. We would encourage everyone to make sure they experience it for themselves and start their year being moved, cheered and amazed by the power of music.”

Celtic Connections first began in 1994 and has grown in size and ambition ever since, building an international reputation for world-renowned music, exciting new performances, unique showcases and one-off collaborations.

Celtic Connections 2025 in partnership with Innis & Gunn will take place from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February. The programme can be viewed in full and tickets purchased at www.celticconnections.com

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

Latest Glasgow News

Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.

Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!

CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.

Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience

With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.

This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day

If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option. 

Glasgow, your ultimate beauty destination has arrived

Today H Beauty opens its doors at Silverburn unveiling a next level beauty experience in the west of Scotland.

North at Address Glasgow launches fresh summer menu, seasonal cocktails & weekend brunch

The Address Glasgow has unveiled an all-new summer offering at its signature restaurant, NORTH, featuring bold seasonal flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new weekend brunch menu!

Raise the steaks for dad

A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!

Saturday walking tours start at Rickshaw & Co.

Vibrant award-wining Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Rickshaw & Co. is proud to be featured in Stories Behind Glasgow's Hospitality, part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for Elephant by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity

A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday 14th June at Glasgow University Union.

Buchanan Galleries partners with charities to launch initiative in support of improving mens health

Buchanan Galleries, has partnered with five health charities and services for a weeklong initiative aimed at supporting men in Glasgow to improve their health and mental wellbeing.

Glasgow 850 volunteers contribute 350 hours to city celebration

Dedicated Glasgow 850 volunteers have officially surpassed 350 hours of volunteering and engagement activities throughout the city in 2025, it has been announced.

Maison by Glaschu brings summer to Princes Square with free ice cream and unlimited steak frites

One of Glasgow's chicest restaurants and bars, Maison by Glaschu is kicking off summer with a week-long ice cream cart pop-up and a Bastille Day bottomless steak frites special.

Caorunn Gin paints Glasgow red ahead of World Gin Day!

Enjoy a complimentary G&T at Glasgow's iconic Òran Mór venue on Saturday 14th June!

Spinning around in style... VEGA offers Kylie fans 4 hour room package to get gig ready

Kylie Minogue is coming to Glasgow tomorrow and VEGA at YOTEL is helping fans get disco-ready before the first note even drops!

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Global fashion brand Stradivarius confirms first Glasgow store to open at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced it has secured Spanish fashion label Stradivarius, further strengthening its fashion offer.

Cluck the roast! Birds launches new Sunday Fry for Fathers Day

This Father's Day, Birds Fried Chicken is switching up the rules with the launch of The Sunday Fry, a bold and delicious alternative to the classic Sunday roast.

Summer at Glasgow Science Centre: A new adventure every day

Glasgow Science Centre has unveiled its packed programme of activities for the summer holidays... book ahead in June to beat the rush and save on day tickets.

Private whisky club opens its doors to non members in Glasgow

Whisky fans in Glasgow can now experience the world's leading private whisky club as The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is inviting non-members to buy tickets to its unique events.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

Second Hampden could be latest addition to list of nationally important historic sites

Historic Environment Scotland is seeking views on proposals to designate the former football ground at Cathkin Park as a scheduled monument.

Bold and bright artwork hangs in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has installed nine original artworks by Scottish illustrator Katie Smith in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall's Clyde Foyer.

Calling all Lovers: Feel the Tension at Buchanan Galleries with free Kylie pop up event

Kylie fans in Glasgow this week for the pop star's Tension Tour can experience the 'tension' themselves at a free, one-day-only pop-up event at Buchanan Galleries!

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.