Glasgow’s world-renowned Celtic Connections festival has revealed its star-packed and eclectic programme for 2026.
More than 25 venues across the city - including Oran Mor, SWG3 and Mackintosh Church in the West End - will play host to more than 1,200 artists and audiences of around 110,000 people.
From Thursday 15 January to Sunday 1 February, the award-winning festival will bring over 300 events – from major music gigs to intimate performances.
The newly-refurbished Citizens Theatre will make its debut as a festival stage, and following the success of its first-ever music event at the start of this year, the Emirates Arena joins the programme again with another major show which will feature Scottish folk-rock pioneers Skerryvore.
Talent
Exceptional international talent is highlighted and honoured across the whole festival programme with a wealth of wonderful worldwide acts and artists.
Highlights include celebrated Cuban collective Buena Vista All Stars (featuring master musicians from the famous Buena Vista Social Club of 30 years ago); Senegal orchestral sensation Baobab; Mexican drumming dynamo Antonio Sanchez, who appears alongside harpist Edmar Castañeda and American Banjo icon Bela Fleck; also from the States, Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, alternative country and folk star Dylan LeBlanc, and celebrated indie duo Watchhouse; and from Québec – overseas partner for Celtic Connections 2026 Showcase Scotland industry initiative supporting international cultural collaboration – traditional Québécois music bands Le Vent du Nord, Germaine, Cecilia, E.TE, La Déferlance, Bon Débarras, and Paruline.
The very best of talent from Scotland, as well as across the UK and Ireland, will be proudly represented too by a diverse range of acts – such as showstopping Celtic rock/pop band Skerryvore and fusion favourites Shooglenifty, Orcadian bands The Chair, Fara and Gnoss, and Highland band Dàimh.
Included in unique collaborative shows is a tribute to one of the world’s most influential folk singers – Scotland’s Dick Gaughan – featuring a large cast of artists as well as performances from rising Scots stars such as acclaimed singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-McLeod and indie accordionist RuMac.
The packed 2026 festival programme also sees the return of many regular firm favourites, including the Danny Kyle Open Stage showcasing new talent, the popular Transatlantic Sessions exploring the rich musical connections of Scotland, Ireland and the US, and the renowned Roaming Roots Revue curated by Emmy Award-winning Scottish musician, composer and broadcaster Roddy Hart.
We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world – from award-winning performers to young newcomers - Donald Shaw
A sell-out every year, Roaming Roots celebrates its 14th outing. Following the success of its last edition Icons Vol. 1, is the 2026 edition Icons Vol. 2 show. Backed by Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire and joined by a 60-piece orchestra from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, it gathers together a global line-up of artists for two unforgettable nights of creative collaborations. Featured are Elbow’s Guy Garvey, award-winning composer C Duncan, acclaimed American artists Dylan LeBlanc and Amythyst Kiah, emerging soul talent James Emmanuel, rising UK voices Rianne Downey and Alice Faye, and many more.
Celtic Connections Creative Producer, Donald Shaw, said: “At the very heart of our 33rd festival are celebration, collaboration and connection. We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world – from award-winning performers to young newcomers. And we can’t wait to welcome so many fantastic artists and acts to Glasgow in the new year to perform for our audiences in every corner of the city.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow is immensely proud that Celtic Connections continues to be such an incredible success in Scotland’s cultural events calendar, and every year shines a global spotlight on our vibrant UNESCO City of Music and its legendary reputation for audiences which are among the world’s best.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government is proud to support this ambitious programme with increased funding through our Festival EXPO Fund and I am excited to see what is on offer during Celtic Connections 2026.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “Supported by the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland’s Multi Year Funding programme and the Festival EXPO Fund, Celtic Connections gathers every sort of musical genre under its welcoming banner. As we look towards 2026, we realise that, now more than ever, so much can be gained by sharing and cherishing other cultures. It’s inspiring to know that here in Glasgow, at this home-grown but globally renowned festival, we can make the world a better place.”
Innis & Gunn Master Brewer and Founder, Dougal Sharp, said: “We’re proud to support a festival that celebrates Scottish culture and welcomes the world in; that combination is what makes Celtic Connections so unique and why we love being part of it.”
Celtic Connections 2026 takes place from Thursday 15 January to Sunday 1 February 2026.
General tickets go on sale at 10am, Thursday 16 October 2025, and advance tickets for Celtic Rovers festival supporters are now available.
