The dark and cold of Scotland’s winter will soon be swept away by rooms “full of song and an unbeatable warmth”.
So says the man behind the ever-popular and internationally-acclaimed Celtic Connections music festival.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, has been speaking with less than 10 days to go before the start of the 2025 programme.
An estimated 1,200 musicians and artists from 20 countries will be in Glasgow between Thursday 16 January and Sunday 2 February.
_5351-900.jpg)
Around 300 events will take place in 25 venues across the city as part of the internationally renowned event delivered by Glasgow Life.
Donald said: “With this festival, the clue is in the name – it’s all about connection and the sense of belonging and joy that comes with that.
“Dark, dreary January nights are replaced with rooms full of song and an unbeatable warmth that Glasgow’s people and music are famed for.
“As the festival continues to break new ground in our programming, scale and ambition, it’s incredible to see more new faces join us in the audience each year.”
This year’s festival is being staged in partnership with Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn.
With this festival, the clue is in the name – it’s all about connection and the sense of belonging and joy that comes with that. Dark, dreary January nights are replaced with rooms full of song and an unbeatable warmth that Glasgow’s people and music are famed for - Donald Shaw
The performers descending on Glasgow are coming from as far as Australia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Bulgaria and many more countries for another of the festival’s most extensive editions to date.
Celtic Connections 2025 will open with its iconic Opening Concert, this year celebrating 850 years of its home, Glasgow.
With a secret line up that’s under wraps, the show will epitomise the city’s motto – Let Glasgow Flourish – and give audiences moment after moment of unexpected delight.
Donald said: “There’s 18 days, 10 genres, 25 venues and 1,200 musicians – audiences really are spoiled for choice.
“We would encourage everyone to make sure they experience it for themselves and start their year being moved, cheered and amazed by the power of music.”
_1905-900.jpg)
Celtic Connections first began in 1994 and has grown in size and ambition ever since, building an international reputation for world-renowned music, exciting new performances, unique showcases and one-off collaborations.
