Celtic Connections 2026 unveils packed programme of unmissable world and roots music
Festival to set the tone for Glasgow's year of unforgettable international events!
Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 18 October 2025 12:03
Glasgow’s world-renowned Celtic Connections festival – one of the brightest highlights of Scotland’s cultural calendar – is set to get 2026 off to a spectacular start with a packed programme of superb entertainment from an incredible line-up of global talent, setting the tone for Glasgow’s year of unforgettable international events.
From Thursday 15 January to Sunday 1 February 2026 the award-winning festival will bring over 300 events – from major music gigs to intimate performances – to more than 25 venues across the city. Over 1,200 artists will take part and audiences of around 110,000 are expected to attend.
Tickets for the 2026 festival’s first tranche of confirmed shows are on sale now at www.celticconnections.com. Scores of gigs will be added to the programme in the run-up to the much-anticipated event.
Globally acclaimed as a dynamic showcase of trad, folk, roots and world music, Celtic Connections has grown over three decades to become Europe’s biggest winter music festival. It now spans a wide range of genres – from blues, soul, Americana and indie to acoustic, orchestral, jazz and electronic.
Delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Innis & Gunn, the 2026 festival – its 33rd edition – will be an expansive, exciting showcase of outstanding talent from Scotland and almost every corner of the world.
Featuring unmissable performances from established and emerging talent and bringing together big-name headline acts and rising stars, it will offer something for everyone who loves music.
Venues across the city – including the Barrowland Ballroom, Old Fruitmarket, King Tut’s, Pavilion Theatre, Óran Mòr, Saint Luke’s and SWG3 – will be warmly welcoming Celtic Connections audiences to banish winter blues. The newly-refurbished Citizens Theatre will make its debut as a festival stage, and following the success of its first-ever music event at the start of this year, the Emirates Arena joins the programme again with another major show which will feature Scottish folk-rock pioneers Skerryvore.
Celtic Connections 2026 kicks off with an exciting World Connections Opening Concert at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Kick-starting an important year for international events in Glasgow, with the city hosting the Commonwealth Games and more, the 15 January launch show celebrates music’s global links and power to unite people all over the planet.
With an impressive line-up of international artists, the unmissable concert also features an incredible array of homegrown talent as well as high-profile surprise guests to produce a vibrant showcase of unique creative collaborations.
Just one of the inspirational and innovative partnerships sees iconic Malian singer Rokia Koné – famed for her work with feminist supergroup Les Amazones d'Afrique – performing with one of Scotland’s leading instrumental folk bands, the multi-award winning RURA.
Exceptional international talent is highlighted and honoured across the whole festival programme with a wealth of wonderful worldwide acts and artists.
Highlights include celebrated Cuban collective Buena Vista All Stars (featuring master musicians from the famous Buena Vista Social Club of 30 years ago); Senegal orchestral sensation Baobab; Mexican drumming dynamo Antonio Sanchez, who appears alongside harpist Edmar Castañeda and American Banjo icon Bela Fleck; also from the States, Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, alternative country and folk star Dylan LeBlanc, and celebrated indie duo Watchhouse; and from Québec – overseas partner for Celtic Connections 2026 Showcase Scotland industry initiative supporting international cultural collaboration – traditional Québécois music bands Le Vent du Nord, Germaine, Cecilia, E.TE, La Déferlance, Bon Débarras, and Paruline.
The very best of talent from Scotland, as well as across the UK and Ireland, will be proudly represented too by a diverse range of acts – such as showstopping Celtic rock/pop band Skerryvore and fusion favourites Shooglenifty, Orcadian bands The Chair, Fara and Gnoss, and Highland band Dàimh.
Included in unique collaborative shows is a tribute to one of the world’s most influential folk singers – Scotland’s Dick Gaughan – featuring a large cast of artists as well as performances from rising Scots stars such as acclaimed singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-McLeod and indie accordionist RuMac.
The rich cultural traditions of our nation’s song and storytelling are also highlighted and celebrated across many of the programme’s events, including a special interpretation of the songs of Robert Burns, the Scottish ballads, and two special nights of Gaelic song including Òran Ùr – celebrating 25 years of new Gaelic songs.
Many traditional and international orchestral highlights are featured too, including the world premiere of the Arabic Symphony by The Ayoub Sisters – a duo from Egypt who grew up in Glasgow, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, as well as the rarely performed Polish work, Symphony of Sorrows by Henryk Górecki, marking the 50th year of its composition.
The packed 2026 festival programme also sees the return of many regular firm favourites, including the Danny Kyle Open Stage showcasing new talent, the popular Transatlantic Sessions exploring the rich musical connections of Scotland, Ireland and the US, and the renowned Roaming Roots Revue curated by Emmy Award-winning Scottish musician, composer and broadcaster Roddy Hart.
A sell-out every year, Roaming Roots celebrates its 14th outing. Following the success of its last edition Icons Vol. 1, is the 2026 edition Icons Vol. 2 show. Backed by Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire and joined by a 60-piece orchestra from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, it gathers together a global line-up of artists for two unforgettable nights of creative collaborations. Featured are Elbow’s Guy Garvey, award-winning composer C Duncan, acclaimed American artists Dylan LeBlanc and Amythyst Kiah, emerging soul talent James Emmanuel, rising UK voices Rianne Downey and Alice Faye, and many more.
Festival-goers can also look forward to the usual mix of late-night sessions and pop-up performances at the Festival Club, which returns to the Art School, as well as the ever-popular Glee Club nights. And once again the acclaimed Celtic Connections education programme will give thousands of children across Glasgow a chance to experience music workshops and special schools concerts.
The Under 26 Pass makes a welcome return too to offer the age group discounted entry to a range of gigs, ensuring the festival is as accessible as possible to younger audiences.
Celtic Connections Creative Producer, Donald Shaw, said: “At the very heart of our 33rd festival are celebration, collaboration and connection. We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world – from award-winning performers to young newcomers. And we can’t wait to welcome so many fantastic artists and acts to Glasgow in the new year to perform for our audiences in every corner of the city.
“Celtic Connections is a celebration of the boundless power of music to connect and inspire; to transcend borders and provide a platform where Scotland’s own musical might is matched by global talent.
“Our diverse programme showcases a wealth of musical genres and styles, and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that’s in store. As we champion the universal language of music, we invite lifelong music fans and curious newcomers to join us as there’s something magical waiting for everyone at Celtic Connections 2026.”
Celtic Connections 2026 takes place from Thursday 15 January to Sunday 1 February 2026.
The programme can be viewed at www.celticconnections.com and many more gigs will be added to it in the run-up to the event in the new year.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green
Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.
READ MORE
77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups
The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.
READ MORE
Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes
Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations
Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!
READ MORE
Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.
READ MORE
Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup
Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.
READ MORE
Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio
Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail
Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!
READ MORE
KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End
The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026
The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!
READ MORE
Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow
The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future
Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026
Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.
READ MORE
Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible
For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026
Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow
Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!
READ MORE
Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor
Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links