CELTIC Connections has drawn to a close, with its final in-person performances now completed.
The festival, which took place over an 18-day period, was a celebration of Celtic tradition, hosting as many as 60 in-person concerts in a variety of Glasgow locations.
Among this year’s performances were a torch-lit Shetland Viking march through the streets of Glasgow and a performance from Anoushka Shankar accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Culture minister Neil Gray said: “It’s heartening to see audiences returning in such large numbers to the live events staged as part of Celtic Connections’ hybrid offering this year.
“As we begin our recovery from the pandemic, it’s important to support the rich array of festivals and events across the country. There is something for everyone.”
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Though in-person events have ended, the festival will continue to run online performances up until February 16, available for viewers in Scotland and across the globe.
In total, 23,000 people attended Celtic Connections this year, alongside thousands of online viewers who tuned in to experience the cultural celebrations from countries far and wide – including from Japan, South Africa and Israel.
Creative producer for Celtic Connections Donald Shaw 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.”
Due to cancellations, the festival will continue to host performances throughout the year. David Francis will highlight global climate change concerns through a collection of stories from Scotland’s natural world and, on June 23, Scottish folk favourites Capercaillie will be joined on stage by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
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Details of other rescheduled performances are due to be announced, and selected shows will be available to view as part of an online pass until February 16.
Alan Morrison, head of music at Creative Scotland, said: “While we share the disappointment of all the artists and audiences who had their gigs cancelled, the back-from-the-brink nature of Celtic Connections in 2022 has made us value the music we can share together all the more.
“Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who helped brighten our winter nights.”
The festival has “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”.
Next year, Celtic Connections will commemorate its 30th anniversary with another 18 days of exhibitions, screenings, concerts and ceilidhs.
It was established in 1994 and began as a smaller spectacle in a single venue – but has since grown to involve more than 500 acts in numerous famed venues such as Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, The Old Fruitmarket and the Mackintosh Church.
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