Record-Breaking Attendance at Celtic Connections 2026
The Celtic Connections folk and world music festival has concluded its 2026 programme, with organisers reporting the highest ticket sales in the event's history.
Approximately 114,000 attendees participated in performances over the 18-day festival held in Glasgow. The event featured more than 300 gigs across 25 venues throughout the city.
Global Participation and Festival Highlights
Creative director Donald Shaw attributed the festival's success to the "strength of music, cultural identity and collaboration." Artists and participants represented over 35 countries, including Palestine, Iraq, Ukraine, Mexico, Cuba, and Brazil. The festival is scheduled to return in 2027 from 14 to 31 January.
More than 200 shows sold out during this year's festival. Notable performers included Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and the Celtic rock band Skerryvore.
In comparison, last year's event, which experienced a day of cancellations due to Storm Éowyn, sold around 110,000 tickets with 125 sell-outs.
Statements from Organisers
"Such a unique coming together of performers as a global family sends a powerful message about the strength of music, cultural identity and collaboration, especially at a time when the world can feel more fragmented than ever."
"From the Drygate to Donbas, Byres Road to Baghdad, Candleriggs to Palestine, these past incredible days have been forged in friendship, fortitude and the freedom to express ourselves through song, dance and performance, filled with hope, inspiration and togetherness."
Shaw also expressed gratitude to audiences who attended during "a cold and wet winter month" and indicated anticipation for the 34th edition of the festival next year.
Community Engagement and Organisational Details
This year's programme included four free concerts for nearly 7,000 children and young people from across Scotland, hosted at the Royal Concert Hall.
Celtic Connections is organised by Glasgow Life, the city council's arts body.
Chairwoman Annette Christie remarked that the festival had initiated "a landmark year of international events in Glasgow in spectacular style."
Glasgow is also set to host the Commonwealth Games during the summer and the Royal National Mòd in October.
