CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note

The 32nd edition of Scotland’s premier winter music festival reached attendances of 110,000, with 125 sold out shows across its 18 days.

Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note

Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 3 February 2025 8:42

Image Credit: Kris Kesiak - Peatbog Faeries

Celtic Connections 2025 in partnership with Innis & Gunn has closed on a high note, marking another stand-out chapter in its storied history presenting the world’s best trad, folk, world and roots music to Glasgow audiences each winter.

Despite a day of rescheduled events, the festival made a triumphant return from Storm Éowyn to match 2023 festival attendance figures and had been on track to surpass 2024 audience numbers.

Around 1,500 musicians and artists spanning 40 nationalities took part in around 300 events stretching out over 24 venues, all celebrating the unifying power of live music and vibrancy of Scotland’s cultural scene.

The festival achieved its highest ever number of subscribers to its Celtic Rovers scheme, which rewards audiences’ loyalty with access to exclusive benefits and deals, hitting 620 sign ups, while almost 3,000 tickets were purchased through the Under 26 Community, giving young people access to exclusive ticket deals.

A team of 120 volunteers supported the delivery of Celtic Connections, building new connections with like-minded people and getting first-hand experience in a live events environment, while 50,000 pints of Innis & Gunn were poured for gig-goers across the city.

More than 7,000 pupils travelled to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for the festival’s Schools Concerts and music workshops were delivered to every primary 7 pupil across Glasgow.

Nearly 900 people of all ages took part in ceilidhs and family events, more than 120 benefited from free dementia-friendly concerts and almost 1,500 took part in music and song workshops.

The world-renowned festival, delivered by Glasgow Life, once again proved itself as a cornerstone of Scotland’s events calendar and a much-loved cultural meeting place and platform for collaboration.

The festival’s unique flair for uniting people and bringing soul-affirming joy to thousands could be seen, heard and felt in concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, exhibitions, screenings, showcases, book launches, sessions, dementia-friendly performances, recitals, talks and more.

For the past three weeks, Glasgow – a UNESCO City of Music – reflected the richness of Celtic traditions and demonstrated the power of global cultural exchange and innovation.

From a spectacular birthday celebration to mark Glasgow 850 for the festival’s iconic Opening Concert, to 300 community choir singers joining Karine Polwart on stage for an emotion-fuelled show celebrating community and an outstanding 25-year career, this year’s festival took audiences on a remarkable journey.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “As we reach the close of this year’s festival we have to reflect on the countless moments of joy and connectedness that we’re so proud to create. From piloting a major venue in the city to putting a smile on the face of someone seeing a musician live for the first time, it’s the big and little moments that form the soul of this festival. I would like to thank everyone who makes Celtic Connections possible and pay tribute to the resilience of our hard-working team, the brilliance of our artists, the generosity of our audiences and the support of our funders and partners.

“Although we’re bringing our 32nd festival to an end, these last few weeks have been a catalyst for fresh creativity, future collaboration and renewed friendship and community, generating a legacy that stretches far beyond our 18 days. We hope everyone who came into contact with the festival felt the spirited vitality that lives at its heart. See you next winter!”


Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Celtic Connections has kicked off Scotland’s cultural calendar in style and shown exactly why Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music. The festival continues to thrive and shines a spotlight on our city’s reputation as a world-class events destination.

“Thousands of people have experienced magical musical performances from talented homegrown and international artists at Glasgow’s iconic venues. Once again, Celtic Connections has treated audiences to a diverse range of shows and events and unique collaborations, which the festival is renowned for.

“The 32nd edition will live long in the memory thanks to another exciting programme, a spectacular Opening Concert celebrating Glasgow’s 850th birthday and the Emirates Arena being turned into a music venue for the first time.”


Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “From the opening concert’s first note to the closing night’s final chord, Celtic Connections 2025 has provided a superb soundtrack to our dark January days. Audiences turned out in their masses, artists performed at the top of their game and venues across the city rang with sounds old and new. This has been a fitting start to Glasgow’s 850th anniversary, as the city celebrated its home-grown talent and welcomed international guests with open arms. In the week that Celtic Connections secured financial support for a further three years through Creative Scotland’s Multi Year Funding programme, it’s fantastic to know that the festival will continue to be a beacon of cultural light in our winter months.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Congratulations to everybody involved in this year’s Celtic Connections; it was another fantastic celebration of Scotland’s cultural heritage, which brought together world-class talent and showcased our rich musical traditions on a global stage.

“The festival has once again demonstrated the unifying power of live music, the vibrancy of our creative sector, and reaffirmed Scotland’s status as the perfect stage for unforgettable cultural events.

“Well done to the organisers, artists, and audiences, who all contribute to make Celtic Connections such a resounding success every year.”


Dougal Sharp, Master Brewer and founder of Innis & Gunn, said: “Celtic Connections is Scotland at its best – world-class music, passionate audiences, and a real sense of community. This festival shines a spotlight on incredible talent while keeping our culture thriving, evolving, and reaching new audiences here and around the world. That’s something we’re proud to support – not just this year, but for the long haul.

“When businesses and festivals that make Scotland special are under real pressure, we’re standing up for what’s real. Innis & Gunn is a premium Scottish brand, brewed here and enjoyed everywhere, and like Celtic Connections, we’re all about celebrating what makes this country great.

“This year, more than 50,000 pints of Innis & Gunn have been poured as audiences soaked up some of the best live music experiences in Scotland, a particular highlight being the Gnoss gig we organised on an open top bus and in our Glasgow taprooms. That’s what this partnership is all about – bringing people together, lifting spirits, and keeping Scottish culture at the forefront, where it belongs. We’re raising a pint to an unforgettable festival, and to many more years of making magic together.”


Celtic Connections first began in 1994 and has grown in size and ambition ever since, building an international reputation and making an unmatched contribution to the prominence of folk, traditional and world music. The 2025 edition spanned 10 genres including acoustic, indie, traditional, Americana, jazz, folk, world and orchestral.

Showcase Scotland, the festival’s music industry event which introduces delegates from around the world to the Scottish music sector, this year celebrated the music of Ireland. Quebec has been announced as the 2026 partner, celebrating the French-speaking Canadian region’s musical heritage.

Next year will also see the second year in a five-year partnership deal with headline sponsor Innis & Gunn.

The festival is working hard to reschedule as many shows as possible following postponements from Storm Éowyn, with ticket holders set to be updated on a show by show basis as soon as possible. Elephant Sessions’ headline show at the O2 Academy will now take place on Saturday 1 March.

Celtic Connections 2026 in partnership with Innis & Gunn will take place from Thursday 15 January – Sunday 1 February 2026.

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
One Ren
Glasgow City Council
Ayrshire Hospice

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day

Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day

Scotland's largest network of health and fitness centres, Glasgow Club – which is operated by Glasgow Life – celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine's Day.

READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.

READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!

READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme

Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme

Three local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025

TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!

READ MORE
Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off

Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off

The Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!

READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal

Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal

Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.

READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way

First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way

Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!

READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more

Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March

An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March

Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.

READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow

Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow

After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.

READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing

El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing

Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.

READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow

Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

READ MORE
Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes

Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes

Get ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!

READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show

Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show

Could a Glasgow dog be the next Spaniel Radcliffe or Pug Henshall? Is there a budding Collie Firth or Brad Pit Bull, waiting to be discovered?

READ MORE
Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note

Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note

The 32nd edition of Scotland’s premier winter music festival reached attendances of 110,000, with 125 sold out shows across its 18 days.

READ MORE
Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem

Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem

Bongo's Bingo is back in Glasgow with a run of spectacular shows, including 80s specials and St. Patrick's Day specials at SWG3.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Gin To My Tonic
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Fayre Play
City Sightseeing Glasgow
ATG

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
One Ren
Glasgow City Council
Ayrshire Hospice
Gin To My Tonic
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Fayre Play
City Sightseeing Glasgow
ATG

Popular Events

Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic Merchants House of Glasgow come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Battlefield Window Wanderland
Following the huge success of their previous Window Wanderland events, Battlefield will once again turn into a magical outdoor gallery between Saturday 15th and Tuesday 18th February!
Glasgow Antique, Vintage and Collectors Fair
Find something perfect to compliment your home, collection or wardrobe at the monthly Glasgow Antique, Vintage & Collectors Fair in Bellahouston Leisure Centre!
VIP Record Fair Glasgow
Browse the biggest selection of vinyl, CDs and memorabilia ever assembled in Scotland at the regular VIP Record Fair Glasgow in Bellahouston Leisure Centre!

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