Celtic Connections Festival Triumphs Amidst Storm Éowyn
The Celtic Connections Festival has proven its resilience and magnetism by captivating over 100,000 attendees during its 2025 edition. Despite the challenges posed by Storm Éowyn and a red weather warning from the Met Office, the festival remained undaunted, with organisers revealing impressive attendance figures that surpassed the previous years.
An Exciting Celebration of Music and Culture
The 32nd edition of the Celtic Connections Festival saw a remarkable turnout of 110,000 attendees, with a staggering 125 sold-out shows across its 18 days of festivities. This year’s event featured around 1,500 musicians and artists from 40 different nationalities, who graced audiences with their talents in nearly 300 events held at 24 venues. The festival also experienced a surge in subscribers to its Celtic Rovers scheme, reaching 620 sign-ups, and saw nearly 3,000 tickets sold through the Under 26 Community program.
Engaging the Community and Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the impressive numbers, the Celtic Connections Festival also made a significant impact on the local community. More than 7,000 students attended the festival’s Schools Concerts at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, while music workshops were extended to every primary 7 pupil in Glasgow. Donald Shaw, the Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, expressed his pride in the joy and sense of connection created by the festival, highlighting the importance of both major milestones and intimate moments shared among artists, audiences, and organizers.
Looking Towards the Future with Gratitude and Optimism
As the 32nd edition of the festival drew to a close, Shaw extended his gratitude to everyone involved in making Celtic Connections a success. He acknowledged the dedication of the festival’s team, the talent of the artists, the support of the funders and partners, and most importantly, the enthusiasm of the audiences. Shaw emphasized that while the festival may have concluded, its impact on creativity, collaboration, and community spirit would endure far beyond the 18 days of celebrations.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, commended the festival for setting the stage for Scotland’s cultural calendar and showcasing Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music status. Reflecting on the diverse range of performances, unique collaborations, and transformative experiences offered by Celtic Connections, Christie underscored the festival’s role in cementing Glasgow’s reputation as a world-class events destination.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, lauded the festival for providing a vibrant and diverse musical experience that resonated with audiences and artists alike. He praised the festival’s role in highlighting Glasgow’s home-grown talent and fostering international connections, noting the significance of Celtic Connections in enriching the cultural landscape of the city.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson echoed the sentiments of appreciation and admiration for Celtic Connections, hailing the festival as a testament to Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and musical traditions. Robertson commended the organizers, artists, and audiences for their unwavering commitment to making the festival a global success year after year, highlighting its role in showcasing Scotland as a vibrant cultural hub.
In conclusion, the Celtic Connections Festival of 2025 stands as a shining example of resilience, creativity, and community spirit in the face of adversity. As the final notes fade and the last chords ring out, the legacy of this year’s festival will continue to inspire and uplift audiences, artists, and organizers alike, ensuring that the spirit of Celtic Connections lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary celebration.