Celtic Connections Celtic Connections

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Celtic Connections 2026

From 15 January to 1 February 2026, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, hosts Celtic Connections, one of Europe’s largest winter music festivals celebrating Celtic roots and global sounds across the city’s venues.

Music

Celtic Connections features hundreds of shows spanning traditional Scottish and Irish folk, Gaelic choirs, fiddle and pipe tunes, blues, jazz, Americana, electronic, and reggae-inspired music. Performances take place in venues including the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Barrowland Ballroom, theatres, and pubs.

Atmosphere

The festival creates a warm, inclusive community vibe with spontaneous pub sing-alongs, ceilidh dances, and impromptu sessions. It offers unique collaborations between legendary and emerging artists, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.

Community

  • Opportunities to mingle with musicians and fellow festival-goers
  • Showcases emerging talent alongside established performers
  • Produced by Glasgow Life, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually

Various Artist - Check festival homepage for full list - https://www.celticconnections.com/whats-on/artists/

 

Glasgow is easily reached from across the UK by rail, coach, car or air. The city’s two main train stations, Glasgow Central and Queen Street, link to London, Manchester, Liverpool and other major cities. For example, travelers from St Helens (near Liverpool) can reach Glasgow by train via Manchester or Preston, a journey of around four hours. Long-distance coach services like National Express and Megabus also stop at Buchanan Bus Station in the city. By air, Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is about 13 km west of the centre, with daily flights from London, Dublin and other European cities. Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), about an hour’s drive south of the city, serves budget airlines and is connected to Glasgow by train.

By car, Glasgow sits at the junction of the M8, M74 and M73 motorways. If you drive from St Helens or other parts of England, the usual route is north on the M6 into Scotland and then onto the M74, a trip of roughly 3.5 to 4 hours (about 210 miles). Parking in central Glasgow can be limited, so many drivers prefer park-and-ride or parking garages on the city outskirts. Once here, Glasgow’s local transport network is convenient: the Subway (often nicknamed the Clockwork Orange) and frequent buses can take you quickly between venues. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily available for getting around the city.

Accommodation in Glasgow suits every budget. You’ll find everything from luxury hotels and serviced apartments to cosy B&Bs and hostels. Festival time can book up quickly, so it’s wise to reserve your room early. Staying in central areas like Merchant City, the City Centre or the West End means many venues will be within walking distance. If you choose to stay outside the core, make sure to check train, bus or subway connections into town. You’ll discover many friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in every neighbourhood. Finally, remember that January in Scotland can be cold and often wet, so pack warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes to stay comfortable while exploring the city.

Glasgow, Lanarkshire., G23NY