Celtic Connections 2026: All you need to know about famous Glasgow winter festival
Here’s all you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026.
Celtic Connections is preparing to come back to Glasgow for another year.
The winter festival attracts thousands of fans and performers to the city from all corners of the world.
Celtic Connections Creative Producer, Donald Shaw, said: “Celtic Connections is big, bold and inspiring – it’s a festival that isn’t afraid to take risks, champions artistic expression and believes in collaboration, and having fun.
“There’s a special kind of magic that fills Glasgow every January during Celtic Connections. Come and join us to experience unforgettable shows, world-class artists, and surprises around every corner. We can’t wait to share these moments with everyone who loves music as much as we do!”
When is Celtic Connections 2026?
This year’s festival, delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Innis & Gunn, runs from Thursday, January 15, to Sunday, February 1.
Over 300 events will take place at over 25 venues across the city, with audiences of more than 110,000 expected to experience Glasgow’s biggest winter celebration of music and culture.
Who is headlining Celtic Connections 2026?
There is a line-up of over 1,200 artists with headliners including country music royalty Emmylou Harris, legendary Cuban collective Buena Vista All Stars, Americana powerhouse Lucinda Williams, Scottish folk-rock pioneers Skerryvore, Grammy-winning banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, Senegalese orchestral sensation Baobab, acclaimed indie duo Watchhouse, and Mon Rovîa, who tells his incredible refugee story through the healing sound of Afro-Appalachian folk.
Make sure you keep up to date with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
There will also be the Opening Concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, entitled World Connections, and a range of one-off collaborations featured throughout the programme.
How accessible is Celtic Connections 2026?
The festival say they are dedicated to making world-class music accessible to everyone.
Their Under 26 Festival Pass is back for another year which provides discounted entry for those aged 18 to 25 to a curated selection of events.
Additionally, their Education Programme will return, with thousands of local schoolchildren invited to special concerts and workshops.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.