Celtic Connections reports highest ever ticket sales in 33 year history

The festival welcomed 114,000 people across 18 days, recording over 200 sell out performances, compared to 125 in 2025.

More than 1,600 artists featured as part of the festival which hosted over 300 events at 25 venues across Glasgow and included artists and participants from more than 35 countries, including Palestine, Iraq, Ukraine and Senegal.

Celtic Connections began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue.

Celtic Connections creative director Donald Shaw said: “Such a unique coming together of performers as a global family sends a powerful message about the strength of music, cultural identity and collaboration, especially at a time when the world can feel more fragmented than ever.

“From the Drygate to Donbas, Byres Road to Baghdad, Candleriggs to Palestine, these past incredible days have been forged in friendship, fortitude and the freedom to express ourselves through song, dance and performance, filled with hope, inspiration and togetherness.”

Ceilidhs and family events provided popular, with a further 637 participants taking part in music and song workshops. Dementia-friendly concerts also saw 127 people get involved.

Alan Morrison, head of music at Creative Scotland, said: “Scotland’s trad and folk artists were at full strength every single day during Celtic Connections 2026. Tradition bearers were honoured, new stars were born, and Scotland’s music proved yet again that it contains the very best the world has to offer.”