Celtic Connections unveils 2026 festival programme

The Ayoub Sisters are among the acts announced for Celtic Connections

Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival has revealed its line-up for 2026.

It will feature a tribute to legendary folk singer Dick Gaughan, an appearance from the Buena Vista All Stars and an arena show by Celtic rock band Skerryvore.

The 33rd edition of the festival will run from 15 January until 1 February and kick off with a special World Connections show at the Royal Concert Hall.

Organisers say the opening night will see "unique creative collaborations" with homegrown and international acts, and tie-in to Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games later in 2026.

The newly re-opened Citizen's Theatre on the city's Southside will also host gigs at the festival for the first time.

Other performers slated to appear are Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, alternative country and folk star Dylan LeBlanc and Mexican drummer Antonio Sanchez.

One of the festival's biggest shows will see Skerryvore headline the Emirates Arena, while rising acts such as singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-McLeod and indie accordionist RuMac are also set to appear.

A number of singers and bands will pay tribute to Gaughan - the Leith singer famed for his fiery live performances - at the Royal Concert Hall on 18 January. He has been unable to perform live in recent years following a stroke.

Celtic Connections line-up for 2026

Cuban ensemble the Buena Vista All Stars will headline the Royal Concert Hall on 20 January, with the group featuring musicians from the famed Buena Vista Social Club.

Orchestral highlights include the world premiere of the Arabic Symphony by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Ayoub Sisters – siblings from Egypt who grew up in Glasgow.

Traditional highlights of the winter event include the Danny Kyle Open Stage for up and coming artists, and the late night performances of the Festival Club.

Elbow singer Guy Garvey is among the performers booked for the popular Roaming Roots Revue shows.

These performances will feature unique collaborations celebrating the greats of American music.

Accordionist Ru-Mac is one of the emerging artists booked to appear

Last year's festival saw about 110,000 people attending, with 125 sold out shows across an 18-day period.

Celtic Connections creative producer Donald Shaw said celebration, collaboration and connection were at the heart of the festival.

He said: "We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world – from award-winning performers to young newcomers.

"Celtic Connections is a celebration of the boundless power of music to connect and inspire; to transcend borders and provide a platform where Scotland's own musical might is matched by global talent."

Bailie Annette Christie, the chairperson of Glasgow Life, said the festival would "set the tone" for a year of international events in the city.