17 must see Celtic Connections shows to make you swap Edinburgh for Glasgow this month

Celtic Connections, the world’s biggest winter trad music festival kicks-off this week with 18 days of song, celebrations and social gatherings to beat the January blues with some of the biggest stars in music taking part.

But for those of us more tempted to ‘coorie in’, is it really worth hopping a train or braving the M8? Our verdict, you bet.

Here’s The Edinburgh Reporter’s pick of 17 shows for the remaining 17 days to help you decide to head west and join the party..

January 16: RuMac and Jarad Rowan

Accordionist RuMac (who was in Edinburgh at Hogmanay) has built a reputation for high-energy, genre-defying live shows that blend trad, dance and electronic influences, earning him a place in the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. He’s joined by Jarad Rowan, whose rapid rise via social media has brought his raw, contemporary folk songwriting to new audiences. Expect a lively, unpredictable night.

January 17: Skerryvore, Project Smok and Heron Valley

Fresh from celebrating two decades together, Skerryvore bring their anthemic blend of trad and pop-rock to the Emirates Arena, one of the festival’s largest-capacity shows. Support comes from forward-thinking trio Project Smok and Perthshire favourites Heron Valley, making this a full-scale celebration of modern Scottish folk.

January 18: True and Bold: A Night for Dick Gaughan

A tribute to one of Scotland’s most influential folk voices, this special concert honours the legacy of Dick Gaughan, whose political songwriting and uncompromising performances shaped generations of artists. With an all-star line-up drawn from across the folk community, (trust us, it’s going to be huge) this is set to be one of the festival’s most moving and meaningful evenings.

Jan 19: The Laurettes and Support

Glasgow indie-soul favourites The Laurettes bring their punchy brass-led sound and sharp songwriting to Celtic Connections. Loved for energetic live shows and strong local support, this is a chance to see a homegrown band on a major festival stage.

Jan 20: Buena Vista All Stars and Triptic

The Buena Vista All Stars continue the legacy of classic Cuban song and salsa, featuring musicians closely associated with the Buena Vista Social Club tradition. They’re joined byScottish fusion outfit Triptic, whose blend of jazz, folk and funk provides a fitting contemporary counterpoint.

Jan 21: The Maclean Brothers & Special Guests

Having rowed the Ocean and played the highest gig on a mountain, now Edinburgh’s own The Maclean Brothers deliver a lively mix of traditional and contemporary sounds. With very, very special guests, this promises a night built to remember.

Jan 22: Mon Rovia & Support

Liberian-American artist Mon Rovia brings his distinctive blend of folk, soul and West African influences to Celtic Connections. His introspective songwriting and stripped-back performances have earned international attention, making this an intimate contrast to the festival’s larger-scale shows.

Jan 23: Horse with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Fife-born singer Horse revisits material from across her career, re-imagined with orchestral arrangements performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. A rare opportunity to hear familiar songs in a dramatically expanded setting.

Jan 24: Orkney Anniversary Special: The Chair 20th with FARA 10th & Gnoss

A triple celebration of Orkney and Scottish folk music, marking 20 years of The Chair, 10 years of Orcadian fiddle quartet FARA, and a set from Glasgow-based trio Gnoss. A night rooted in island tradition and contemporary folk excellence.

Jan 25: Kelvingrove Burns Night Concert

An annual festival highlight, the Burns Night Concert brings together leading folk musicians for a celebration of Scotland’s national poet in the atmospheric surroundings of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Expect traditional song, contemporary arrangements and thoughtful interpretations of Robert Burns’ work.

Jan 26: Fantastic Negrito & Support

Multiple Grammy Award-winner Fantastic Negrito brings his raw, genre-blending blues sound to Celtic Connections. Lauded for powerful live performances and socially conscious songwriting, this show adds a strong roots-blues edge to the programme.

Jan 27: Danny Kyle Open Stage

The Danny Kyle Open Stage remains one of Europe’s most respected platforms for emerging talent. Today’s line-up includes Edinburgh singer-songwriter Laura Silverstone, offering festival-goers a chance to discover some amazing performances close-up.

Jan 28: RURA with Ímar and Staran

Award-winning folk band RURA return with a strong supporting line-up featuring Irish-Scottish supergroup Ímar and Nordic-influenced ensemble Staran, highlighting the shared musical traditions of Scotland and beyond.

Jan 29: The Unthanks at 20 with Royal Northern Sinfonia & Beth MalcolmMarking two decades as a band, The Unthanks are joined by the Royal Northern Sinfonia for a large-scale retrospective of their work. Scottish singer Beth Malcolm completes a bill focused on rich vocal harmony and expansive arrangements.

Jan 30: Hen Hoose & Lùnasa Music Society

Collective Hen Hoose collaborate with the Lùnasa Music Society for an evening celebrating female voices, collaboration and new writing within the Scottish folk tradition. Absolutely one not to be missed.

Jan 31: Ciaran Ryan with Pumpegris

Accordionist and songwriter Ciaran Ryan launches his new album, blending traditional influences with contemporary songwriting. Support comes from Pumpegris, whose playful mix of Norwegian folk, indie and pop rounds out the night.

Feb 1: New Voices: Amy Laurenson

Rising Scottish songwriter Amy Laurenson takes centre stage as part of the festival’s New Voices programme, spotlighting emerging talent and pointing firmly towards the future of Scottish folk and acoustic music.

For tickets, times and more details click here.