Celtic Connections 2008

Wednesday 16th January to Sunday 3rd February 2008
various venues, Glasgow, Scotland, Scotland MAP
various - from FREE to £20

Last updated: Fri 18th Jan 2008

Celtic Connections takes place from January 16th - 3rd February 2008. As one of Scotland's most predominant mid-winter music festivals, Celtic Connections is said to attract the cream of Celtic and World music talent from around the globe, with more than 150 acts performing around the city of Glasgow.

The line-up has now been announced and includes K.D. Lang (29th Jan), Baaba Maal (21st January), Dougie MacLean (23rd Jan) and Blazin' Fiddles (25th Jan), amongst many others. Due to the popularity of some artists, extra performances have now been added. Click here for more information about this year's artists.

One of this year's festival highlights is the Boston Tea Party to The Glenlee, a collaboration of songs and stories reflecting the music of Boston's tea and coffee houses, which will take place on the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour. Presented by Alastair Moock, Kris Delmhurst, Tim Gearan and Rose Polenzani, there will be performances over three nights in-the-round from 22nd - 24th January.

Most of the festival concerts take place at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall but other venues include the City Halls, the Old Fruitmarket, The Classic Grand, and The National Piping Centre. Many events sell out very quickly and as well as the predictably popular artists, there are also many specialist events, almost too numerous to mention, such as a Hurdy Gurdy night, Accordian Night and Scottish Pipe Band performances.

Other highlights include the nightly Celtic Connections Festival Club (for season ticket holders), the free Open Stage Sessions at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall Exhibition Hall (from 5pm), workshops every weekend, talks, films and dance.