Celtic Connections programme announced with American star to headline

The festival is an international celebration of Celtic music and will be held across Glasgow from Thursday January 16 to Sunday February 2 with performances from artists from more than 20 countries.

They include near neighbours such as Ireland and Wales but go as far as Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nigeria and Republic of the Congo among many more.

The 32nd edition of the festival will take place in 25 venues on either side of the River Clyde with more than 300 events and 110,000 visitors expected in the city.

The 2025 bill will see a selection of genres from acoustic, traditional, Americana, orchestral, indie, jazz, blues, experimental and more.

The under-26s pass is also being launched to give younger fans an opportunity to access rolling discounts on shows at venues including the Barrowland Ballroom, SWG3, Saint Luke’s and The Old Fruitmarket, while Peat and Diesel will become the first band to play at the Emirates Arena.

Scottish artist KT Tunstall will also be performing at the festival as she reflects on 20 years of her album Eye to the Telescope at the Royal Concert Hall as well as an already sold-out show at the Barrowlands.

The opening concert will herald the start of the year-long 850th birthday celebrations in Glasgow, with the event paying tribute to the city’s ‘rich artistic heritage and flourishing future’ through music, art and poetry.

Lyle Lovett (Image: Handout)

As well as Tunstall, more women than ever will lead high-profile shows with Madison Cunningham, Lady Blackbird and Beth Malcom all headlining shows.  

Award-winning singer and storyteller Karine Polwart will headline a show for the first time, while Julie Fowlis will undertake her first orchestral commission at the festival with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Scottish folk four-piece Malinky will stage a 25th anniversary concert with a host of special guests and much more will take place across the festival.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “We are incredibly proud of Celtic Connections’ place as an ecosystem for new music and art. In 2025 we are bringing together international icons with emerging acts to create career-defining performances and never-seen-before collaborations, not to mention great nights out for our audiences.

“Celtic Connections went from being primarily a Glasgow festival, to a national festival, to an international flagship event. Like many acts on our line up, we have expanded in size and ambition over the years, drawing inspiration from the old tradition and the boundless possibilities of contemporary music.

“Through it all, Glasgow remains at our heart, so to open the festival in celebration of our city’s artistic clout is incredibly special. Audiences can expect a night of secret surprises that we hope will bring a real sense of magic and anticipation to the first night of the festival, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.

“As a forward-thinking festival which always looks to embrace new opportunities and spaces for performance, we’re very excited to be staging a pilot music event in the Emirates Arena, creating a new experience for audiences and extending our reach into the east end of the city.

“In the last 20 years traditional music has entered the mainstream, it’s embraced in our pubs and biggest venues, and we will once again drive the genre’s appeal, profile and potential forward in our 2025 artistic commissions. If you think Glasgow in January isn’t the place to be – you just haven’t ever been to Celtic Connections.”

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Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Celtic Connections is always an outstanding part of Scotland’s cultural calendar when Glasgow welcomes superb musicians from across the globe to showcase their wealth of musical abilities. Spectacular performances warm up the winter nights at many of Glasgow’s most loved, and sometimes surprising, music venues. The festival helps enhance Glasgow’s status as a UNESCO City of Music and the city’s reputation as a world-class cultural destination.

“This year’s ambitious programme features a diverse line-up of homegrown and international artists and ranges from emerging talent to award-winning acts. Celtic Connections will have something for everyone, from intimate performances and exciting one-off collaborations to impressive large-scale shows. None more so than the Opening Concert, which will kick off Glasgow’s 850th birthday celebrations in style.”

Creative Scotland Head of Music, Alan Morrison said: “If there’s one thing to look forward to as the nights start to draw in, it’s the knowledge that tickets will soon be on sale for next year’s Celtic Connections. A peek at the highlights of the 2025 edition is enough to prove why this has become one of the world’s largest and most important winter music festivals. Local talent stands tall alongside incredible international artists, as a global beat crosses over our own traditional tunes. Creative Scotland is proud to support such a heady mix of wonderful music.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Celtic Connections continues to grow its global reputation as one of Scotland’s foremost festivals and an event we are proud to support, bringing together world-class talent and showcasing the very best in folk, roots, and international music. 

 “This year’s programme unites artists, traditions, and audiences from around the globe in a truly unique celebration. The festival continues to innovate and inspire musical and cultural collaboration, offering something extraordinary for everyone and I’m excited about what’s on offer in Glasgow.” 

The programme can be viewed in full and tickets purchased at www.celticconnections.com.