Recognized as a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow will host the annual Celtic Connections festival from January 19 to February 2. For 18 days the city fills with music and culture: roughly 300 venues stage concerts, exhibitions, workshops, talks, late-night sessions and world-class collaborations. The festival celebrates traditional forms such as ceilidhs— lively events that blend folk music, singing, storytelling and dancing—alongside contemporary performances and cross-genre projects.
Opening the festival is award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Marling, who will perform with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. This year’s program places a special emphasis on women performers and on artists who have overcome personal challenges en route to their careers.
The 2017 lineup highlights include Unusual Suspects, the fiddling supergroup Session A9, Gaelic rock ensemble Manran, and a 20th anniversary performance of Phil Cunningham’s Highlands & Islands Suite. Public workshops give attendees the chance to develop musical skills, learn new techniques and meet fellow musicians. Collaborative performances are a festival hallmark: multiple Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John, Grammy nominee Beth Nielsen Chapman and SOCAN Award winner Amy Sky will appear together to present material from their joint album Liv On.
On January 28 at The Main Auditorium of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Roaming Roots Revue will celebrate Women in Song, featuring interpretations of works by influential female songwriters such as Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Björk, PJ Harvey, Gillian Welch, Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman. The tribute underscores the festival’s ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse voices and honoring musical legacies.
Celtic Connections draws both local audiences and international visitors, offering something for casual listeners and dedicated music fans alike. In addition to headline concerts, the festival’s fringe events and late-night sessions provide spontaneous moments of collaboration and discovery. From intimate pub performances to orchestral shows in major venues, the event showcases Scotland’s rich musical traditions while promoting fresh, contemporary sounds.
Workshops and talks provide practical and educational opportunities, with sessions suitable for beginners and experienced musicians. Storytelling events and family-friendly programming broaden the festival’s appeal, making it accessible to a wide range of ages and interests. The mix of formal concerts, informal jams and educational activities creates a dynamic environment where established artists and emerging talent can connect.
Beyond the performances, Celtic Connections contributes to Glasgow’s cultural life by engaging local communities and supporting creative projects across the region. The festival’s emphasis on collaboration encourages artists to experiment and present new arrangements, while its international profile helps bring attention to Scottish and Celtic music on a global stage. Whether attending a ceilidh, a seated concert or an interactive workshop, visitors can expect a rich program of live music and cultural exchange throughout the festival’s two-week run.