By Yahya Mahmoud

Celtic Connections is back in Glasgow! [Image: Unsplash]

The annual Celtic Connections in Glasgow is back! From 15 January to 1 February, it’ll get the year 2026 of to a flying start. It’ll bring over 300 events, from major music gigs to intimate performances, to more than 25 venues across the city.

The general tickets for this year’s festival are available on their website. Delivered by Glasgow Life partnership with Innis & Gunn, edition 33 will be a showcase of amazing talent from Scotland and every corner of the world.

The Celtic Connections opens with the World Connections Opening Concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Kick-starting an important year for international events in the city with the Commonwealth Games in the summer, the January 15th show celebrates music’s global links and power to unite people all over the planet.

One of the more popular attractions at the Celtic Connections is the Roaming Roots. This year, it’s celebrating its 14th year and following the success of the last edition they’re releasing an ‘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’s a brilliant way to enjoy Glasgow” [Image: Getty Images]

Dougal Sharp, founder of Innis & Gunn, said: "Celtic Connections brings such a brilliant energy to Glasgow at the darkest time of year. It’s not just the talent on stage that makes it special but the way the festival fills the city with music, conversation and that unmistakable Glasgow buzz.

"It’s a brilliant way to enjoy Glasgow and we’d encourage anyone thinking about it to grab a ticket and soak it all in.

"We’re proud to support a festival that celebrates Scottish culture and welcomes the world in."

The Under 26 Pass makes a welcome return too to offer the age group discounted entry to a range of gigs, ensuring the festival is as accessible as humanly possible to the younger demographic.

Festivalgoers can also look forward to the usual mix of late-night sessions and pop-up performances at the Festival Club, which returns to the Art School, as well as the ever-popular Glee Club nights.

“there’s something magical waiting for everyone at Celtic Connections” [Image: Getty Images]

Donald Shaw, Celtic Connections Creative Producer, said: “Celtic Connections is a celebration of the boundless power of music to connect and inspire; to transcend borders and provide a platform where Scotland’s own musical might be matched by global talent.

“Our diverse programme showcases a wealth of musical genres and styles, and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that’s in store.

“As we champion the universal language of music, we invite lifelong music fans and curious newcomers to join us as there’s something magical waiting for everyone at Celtic Connections 2026.”

Many traditional and international orchestral highlights are featured too, including the world premiere of the Arabic Symphony by The Ayoub Sisters, a duo from Egypt who grew up in Glasgow, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, as well as the rarely performed Polish work, Symphony of Sorrows by Henryk Górecki, marking the 50th year of its composition.