The winter music festival, Celtic Connections, begins in Glasgow today with many well known names on the roster.
Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross and Lorraine MacIntosh, Elbow’s lead singer, Guy Garvey, and The Maclean Brothers who have rowed the Atlantic and the Pacific head the bill.
The 18 day programme includes poetry from Len Pennie, and fold from Billy Bragg and Karine Polwart.
The festival was worth around £6 million to the Scottish economy last year, supporting 207 jobs, and a return on investment of £2.26 for every £1 spent.
This year’s event kicked off at the Old Fruitmarket by the festivals Creative Director Donald Shaw
who joined Scottish smallpipes player Fionnlagh Mac A’Phiocair, harp and fiddle duo Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart and award-winning young trad outfit Dàna for the opening photocall.
Celtic Connections Creative Director Donald Shaw said: “Bringing people together in the middle of January, sharing music from different cultures and traditions alongside Scotland’s own, is what makes the festival so special, whether that involves emerging talent or established names.
“That sense of warmth, discovery and connection comes from the artists, audiences, supporters and partners who believe in it year after year, and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who helps make it possible.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Excitement and anticipation for the start of Celtic Connections 2026 has really been palpable in the run-up to the festival, not only here in Glasgow but throughout the international music community.
“We can’t wait to welcome musicians and audiences from near and far for this year’s joyous celebration of music from across the globe, and the cultural connections the festival inspires and enables.
“The exceptional entertainment on offer across its 18 day-run, and fabulous line-up of established and emerging talent spanning a diverse range of genres, makes Celtic Connections truly unmissable.
“We are immensely proud this renowned annual cultural highlight is once again shining the spotlight on our vibrant UNESCO City of Music and Glasgow’s rich cultural scene.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Celtic Connections is a firm fixture on the events calendar and is a great way to celebrate musical and cultural collaboration – especially in the dark winter months.
“Supported by increases in multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and through our Festival EXPO Fund, the Scottish Government is proud to support an outstanding national and international cultural event. I am certain this year’s programme will be a great success.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “In 2026, Celtic Connections makes its strongest statement yet about how music can open eyes, ears and minds to the wonders of other cultures. Scotland’s traditional music will forever be the beating heart of this festival but, in the same year that Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games, a spirit of internationalism shines ever more
clearly through this stellar programme.”
Innis & Gunn Master Brewer and Founder, Dougal Sharp, said: “Supporting Celtic Connections marks the start of Innis & Gunn’s year of cultural celebrations, and it’s hard to think of a better way to begin. The festival sits at the backbone of Scottish cultural life, and continuing our support for a second year reflects its importance to communities, venues and artists alike. Like Innis & Gunn, it is rooted in Scotland but shared with the world, and proudly Brewed by Scotland.
“At a time when the hospitality industry is struggling in Scotland and beyond, Celtic Connections provides a vital space to celebrate culture and bring people together. Each year, it plays an important role during the darkest, coldest months, supporting venues and offering a much-needed boost to the hospitality economy at a point of real pressure. So get out of the house, support live music, and
spend time in venues that make nights like this possible.”
If you cannot trawl all the way through the programme we have a list here…but also do not miss the special event on Sunday. True & Bold: A Night for Dick Gaughan – will celebrate and honour the life, work and impact of one of Scotland’s most influential folk singer-songwriters.
Sunday night’s tribute, hosted by Stewart Lee and Mike Harding, will see Karine Polwart, Ricky Ross and Lorraine MacIntosh, Billy Bragg, Kris Drever, Paul Mckenna, Siobhan Miller, Karen Matheson, Martin and Eliza Carthy, Michael McGoldrick, Martin Simpson, Tommy Sands, Karan Casey, Brian McNeil, Seamie O’Dowd and Lisa O’Neil take part in the-one off event at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.
Tickets and full programme details are available now at celticconnections.com, with young people invited to sign up to the Under 26 Community for ticket offers and prize draws.
Celtic Connections runs until Sunday 1 February 2026.
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Reflecting the event’s reputation for lighting up Glasgow and warming the winter nights, contemporary folk musicians, including Scottish smallpipes player Fionnlagh Mac A’Phiocair, harp and fiddle duo Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart and award-winning young trad outfit Dàna, are pictured on stage at The Old Fruitmarket
