Covid has given us time and also new appreciation of those crucial human connections.
In-person performances at Europe’s premier winter music festival Celtic Connections came to a close last night (Sunday 6 February) after almost three weeks of world-class concerts, exhibitions and screenings.
The 29th edition of the UK’s premiere celebration of roots music was hybrid this year with both in-person and online concerts. For the 18-day festival and staged around 60 in-person concerts, a number of intimate filming sessions and a quality digital offering.
More than 500 artists were involved across the festival in shows that brought in more than 23,000 attendees to 18 venues right across Glasgow - from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and The Old Fruitmarket, the Mackintosh Church, Tramway.
The online programme, which runs until 16th February, has enjoyed thousands of viewers from 31 countries - Japan, South Africa and Israel, with more than 700 minutes of exclusive programming to be enjoyed.
The Showcase Scotland international partner for Celtic Connections 2022 was Wales, with leading musicians performances over the closing weekend. Showcase Scotland took place online for a second year, so Wales will return in 2023 for a full in-person partnership, alongside Brittany. Both leading and emerging talents.
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| Old Fruitmarket |
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| Rura |
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| Siobhan Miller |
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| Anoushka Shankar |
The 2022 highlights included a torch-lit Shetland viking march through the streets of Glasgow, a spell-binding performance from Anoushka Shankar accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, several foot-stomping sell-out trad gigs and a unique strand of shows celebrating Scotland’s Year of Stories.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “Having been faced with such uncertainty at the turn of the year, we feel very fortunate to have preserved an 18-day festival and to have met disruption with innovation and creative solutions at every turn. It’s been a joy to provide a global platform for musicians and performers and to share our love and passion for performance with the world, while keeping those involved safe. “We have showcased uplifting performances from some of folk’s brightest talent and brought that hugely sought after live-gig experience to thousands of festival attendees - all with a renewed sense of optimism and vigour. Thank you to everyone who stuck with us to make this year’s festival possible. We look forward to returning bigger and better again for our 30th year in 2023.”
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| John McCusker, Phil Cunningham, Ali Bain |
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| N’famady Kouyaté |
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| Paul Brady |
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| Sarah Jarosz |
Rescheduled concerts – Niteworks Isle of Skye electronic Celtic fusion band - 22nd June / Scottish folk favourites Capercaillie - 23rd June, plus the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Celtic Connections will return for its 30th anniversary - 19th January to 5th February 2023.
Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.
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| Viking Torchlit parade to open Celtic Connections |
