Celtic Connections to celebrate Glasgow’s flourishing future as 2025 programme unveiled The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025. The premiere winter festival and international celebration of Celtic music will illuminate stages across Glasgow from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February, eclipsing dark winter nights with a kaleidoscope of internationally-renowned music, exciting new performances, unique showcases, and one-off collaborations. Demonstrating just why Glasgow is designated a UNESCO City of Music, the festival, delivered by Glasgow Life, will fill around 25 venues on both sides of the Clyde with around 300 events across 18 days. Among the artists performing are three emerging talents, each specially commissioned to create and perform a new groundbreaking body of work. BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021 pianist Michael Biggins, Skye-born and Glasgow-based exciting young harpist Ciorstaidh Beaton and hugely promising tenor banjo talent Ciaran Ryan gathered at the city’s new Govan-Partick Bridge to mark the unveiling of this year’s programme, celebrating Glasgow’s flourishing future and the new artistic connections the festival continues to forge across the city. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 14: Ciaran Ryan on the banjo, Michael Biggins on the piano and Ciorstaidh Beaton on the clarsach (L-R) pose on the Govan-Partick bridge during the launch of the Celtic Connections 2024 programme of events, on October 14, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 15: The Teams line up for the the national anthems during a Guinness Six Nations match between France and Scotland at the Stade de France, on March 15, 2025, in Paris, France. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Nathan Evans is pictured during the Christmas Lights Switch On at George Square, on November 17, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. Thousands of people cheered as George Square burst into light as Glasgow’s 2024 Christmas lights were switched-on, bathing the city in light. The popular event kickstarts the countdown to Christmas for many. Musicians, dancers and theatre stars entertained the crowds with a series of spectacular performances, including stars from the Pavilion’s panto Beauty and the Beastie, and Nathan Evans. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Over 30,000 people have already seen Discovering Degas at the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. Thousands more are expected to visit before it closes on Monday 30th September. Three young dancers from The Dance School of Scotland, dressed in traditional handmade ballet costumes, provided inspiration for artist Sarah Wilson. Pixie Howitt (11), Jada-Jo Branney (12) and Darcey McKechnie (12). **Please note these images are embargoed until 00.01 Wednesday 4th September GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: is pictured as the blockbuster Discovering Degas exhibition enters it's final weeks at The Burrell Collection, on September 03, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 27: Glasgow Indians come together to host a Sareethon, starting at Kelvin Hall and walking to Riverside Museum where there is a flashmob dance , on July 27, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 30: A general view of the Bruce Springsteen Concert at BT Murrayfield, on May 30, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 30: A general view of the Bruce Springsteen Concert at BT Murrayfield, on May 30, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill during a Celtic MD-1 press conference at Celtic Park, on September 16, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill during a Celtic MD-1 press conference at Celtic Park, on September 16, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill during a Celtic MD-1 press conference at Celtic Park, on September 16, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)