The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.
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.
Key Performances
- Opening Concert: ‘Let Glasgow Flourish’ celebrating Glasgow’s 850th birthday
- Lyle Lovett: Debut performance at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
- KT Tunstall: 20th anniversary of ‘Eye to the Telescope’ album
- Peat and Diesel: First band to play at Emirates Arena
- The Bluebells: First appearance at the festival, at Barrowland Ballroom
Notable Acts
- Female-led shows: Madison Cunningham, Lady Blackbird, Beth Malcolm, Abi Sampa
- Scottish talent: Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Breabach with Scottish National Jazz Orchestra
- World music: Ibibio Sound Machine, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force
- Folk and traditional: Malinky (25th anniversary), Frigg with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
- Transatlantic connections: Josh Rouse, Hawktail, Lake Street Dive, Transatlantic Sessions
Special Events
- Roddy Hart’s Roaming Roots Revue: Icons Vol. 1
- Ceòlas @ 30: Celebration of Gaelic music and culture
- New Voices commissions: Michael Biggins, Ciorstaidh Beaton, Ciaran Ryan
- Showcase Scotland: Ireland as partner country
Additional Features
- In the Tradition series, dementia-friendly concerts, ceilidhs, late-night sessions
- Festival Club pop-up performances, screenings, workshops
- Scottish National Whisky Festival
- Education programme including children’s concerts
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.
