Celtic Connections returns to celebrate 30th anniversary

Celtic Connections will return to Glasgow this evening with a special 30th anniversary opening gala.

The 18-day winter festival, which celebrates international folk and roots music, will see thousands of artists take to the stages of some of the city’s most iconic venues – bringing concerts, ceilidhs, talks and more to music-loving audiences.

Creative Producer of the festival, Donald Shaw, said:

“As ever we’re incredibly excited to be welcoming people from across Scotland and the world to Glasgow to enjoy the very best in Celtic, folk, roots and world music.

“I know our musicians and everyone involved in the festival is ready to make this another incredibly special one in the calendar."

Tonight’s 30th anniversary concert will showcase Celtic Connections’ rich history, with performances from artists who have featured prominently over the last three decades.

The one off line-up includes the likes of fiddle player and composer Duncan Chisholm, popular Highland band Peat and Diesel, singer-songwriter Karine Polwart and The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

They are set to be joined by a special big band, originally brought together for last year’s online opening night and now performing in person, including Laura Wilkie, Ross Ainslie, Anna Massie and James Mackintosh.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said:

“The richly deserved, exceptional reputation Celtic Connections has earned as Europe’s leading traditional music festival - and the event’s great importance to the city as a much-loved highlight that attracts thousands of visitors, enriching the lives of local, national and international audiences - is something that Glasgow takes great pride in.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone taking part in this year’s festival.”

History of the festival:

The festival was founded by Colin Hynd in 1994.

Since then the number of events it stages each year has quadrupled and the number of venues grown 25-fold – making Europe’s premier winter folk festival.

In 1999, it’s learning programme was launched and in that time more than 200,000 children and young people have taken part in its cultural events, including its ever-popular free school concerts and workshop programme.

The festival’s legacy for championing emerging talent has also been ever present. The Danny Kyle Open Stage has showcased 146 finalists comprising 440 artists and the festival’s New Voices strand, which allows young musicians to develop and perform brand new compositions, will this year top 76 stunning commissions.

Celtic Connections is also supported by a team of 100 volunteers.

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