In the heart of Scotland's cultural capital, an extraordinary musical celebration takes place each winter that rivals the scale and diversity of the world's most renowned festivals. Celtic Connections, Glasgow's premier winter music festival, is preparing to welcome over 1,200 musicians from 20 countries for its 32nd edition in January 2025.
Despite its Celtic roots, this 18-day extravaganza has evolved far beyond traditional Scottish music. The festival now embraces an impressive spectrum of genres, from folk and Americana to jazz, blues, and experimental orchestral performances. Artists from as far as Australia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Bulgaria will converge on Glasgow's stages, bringing their unique sounds to Scotland's winter nights.
What sets Celtic Connections apart is its sheer scale and variety. With approximately 300 events spread across 25 venues, including up to 33 performances daily, the festival transforms Glasgow into a vibrant musical playground. The program features everything from intimate acoustic sessions to grand orchestral performances, one-off collaborations, and world premieres.
The 2025 edition promises to be particularly special as it coincides with Glasgow's 850th anniversary celebration. The festival's iconic Opening Concert will pay tribute to the city's rich history with a carefully guarded secret lineup, embodying the city's motto: "Let Glasgow Flourish."
Beyond the music, the festival offers an immersive cultural experience with ceilidhs, workshops, screenings, book launches, and talks. In a progressive move, organizers have introduced an Under 26 Community initiative, making the festival more accessible to younger audiences through exclusive discounts.
Since its modest beginnings in 1994, Celtic Connections has grown into a major cultural event, attracting around 110,000 attendees. As Creative Producer Donald Shaw notes, the festival's name reflects its core purpose: creating connections through music, transforming dark January nights into vibrant celebrations of global musical traditions.
The 2025 Celtic Connections festival will run from January 16 to February 2, promising once again to be a beacon of musical excellence in the depths of winter.