Glasgow’s world-famous winter music festival has kicked off with major stars on the bill and a huge economic boost for Scotland.
Fiddle player Eric Linklater and singer-songwriter Beth Malcolm launch Celtic Connections’ 30th anniversary programme(Image: SNS Group)
The world’s biggest winter music festival will support 207 jobs and pump £6million into the economy.
Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival kicked off yesterday and will feature Deacon Blue stars Ricky Ross and Lorraine MacIntosh and Elbow lead singer Guy Garvey.
Stars Billy Bragg, Karine Polwart and Scots poetry favourite Len Pennie will also take the stage during 18 days of shows.
This year’s event kicked-off last night at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with World Connections, bringing together Scottish and international artists to perform music created for Celtic Connections.
Celtic Connections Creative Director Donald Shaw said: “Bringing people together in the middle of January, sharing music from different cultures and traditions alongside Scotland’s own, is what makes the festival so special, whether that involves emerging talent or established names.
“That sense of warmth, discovery and connection comes from the artists, audiences, supporters and partners who believe in it year after year, and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who helps make it possible.”
New figures released yesterday show Celtic Connections was worth an estimated £6million to the Scottish economy last year, supporting 207 jobs. It means for every £1 spent on hosting the event, it generated £2.26 in return.
Donald Shaw.(Image: Daily Record)
Glasgow had the biggest boost to the tune of £4.9m of generated income, with 169 of those jobs kept in the city for the duration of the event according to economic impact figures – even after rejigging plans to keep the party going after last January’s Storm Éowyn.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Celtic Connections is a firm fixture on the events calendar and is a great way to celebrate musical and cultural collaboration – especially in the dark winter months.
“Supported by increases in multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and through our Festival EXPO Fund, the Scottish Government is proud to support an outstanding national and international cultural event. I am certain this year’s programme will be a great success.”
Innis & Gunn of founder and Master Brewer, Dougal Gunn Sharp(Image: PA)
The event is sponsored this year by Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn.
Master Brewer and Founder, Dougal Sharp, said: “At a time when the hospitality industry is struggling in Scotland and beyond, Celtic Connections provides a vital space to celebrate culture and bring people together.
“Each year, it plays an important role during the darkest, coldest months, supporting venues and offering a much-needed boost to the hospitality economy at a point of real pressure. So get out of the house, support live music, and spend time in venues that make nights like this possible.”
Tickets and full programme details are available now at celticconnections.com.