Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 3 December 2025 14:00
SOME of Glasgow’s favourite coffee shops turned into intimate gig spaces on Saturday morning as Celtic Connections brought live music into everyday settings to encourage young people to discover new artists and sign up to the festival’s Under 26 ticket scheme.
Three emerging acts performed across the city, with Mairi Sutherland at Black Pine in the West End, Grayling at Patricias x SLB in the Southside and Fell Line at Through the House in the City Centre.
The morning pop-ups turned local coffee shops into gig spaces and served a fresh shot of the wide range of music genres and talented performers that make Celtic Connections so much more than people expect.
All three artists who took part are already confirmed for the festival line-up, giving young Glaswegians an early glimpse of what is ahead in the world-famous event, which starts on 15th January and runs until 1st February.
The relaxed sets invited coffee shop customers to take a break from algorithms and connect with live music in a familiar setting. Across the morning, young people used in-venue QR codes to join the festival Under 26 Community and enter the Golden Ticket competition, which includes gig passes, a sit-down with rising star Katie Gregson-Macleod — who’s part of this year’s Celtic Connections line-up — and meals at Innis & Gunn’s Glasgow taprooms.
Celtic Connections Festival Manager, Lesley Shaw, said: “Taking live music into everyday, accessible, relaxed spaces helps young people feel that Celtic Connections is something they can be part of.
“When you create a warm and inclusive setting it becomes easier for new audiences to explore the festival.
“It was fantastic to see so many Under 26 sign-ups today and we hope this helps more young people feel welcome at the festival in January.”
Perth-born singer-songwriter Mairi Sutherland said: “Mornings like this make it so much easier for young people to stumble upon and fall in love with live music.
“You could just be going through your usual morning coffee routine and suddenly be transported to a whole new experience. It’s a beautiful reminder of how there’s new artists to be found round every corner and how amazing it feels to discover one you love.
“If today gave someone their first taste of what Celtic Connections can be, that is really special.”
Young people can sign up to the Under 26 Community via the festival website, www.celticconnections.com with all new sign-ups entered into the Golden Ticket competition for another chance to win.
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