Curtain closes on Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival
- Published
World-renowned folk music festival Celtic Connections has drawn to a close after 18 days of musical events across the city.
The festival played host to over 300 events and was attended by over 115,000 music fans.
Celtic Connections first started in 1994 offering 66 events at one venue but this year took over 25 venues.
Organisers said the festival had become more "adventurous" and "diverse each year".
Donald Shaw, creative producer for Celtic Connections, said this year's event was a "testament to the creative power and enduring importance of the arts and the music of the people".
"Scotland has a rich tapestry of musical traditions, and Celtic Connections is a platform that showcases the beauty and diversity of our own folk music, as well as that of other countries, and the expansive connections it has created," he said.
"I am immensely proud of how well Scotland continues to champion folk music on the global stage, and feel truly excited about the path that lies ahead for what we're proud to say has become a world-renowned event."
Moer than 115,000 revellers enjoyed the events
Some highlights of this years events, which ended on Sunday, included The Red Clydeside: John MacLean centenary concert, celebrating the legacy of revolutionary socialist John MacLean.
Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil and Del Amitri's Justin Currie took part in a who's who of Scottish talent, celebrating some of the country's most popular artists and famous songs.
Grammy nominee and multi-award-winning musician Allison Russell wowed crowds at Òran Mór with soulful music Organisers said she "commanded the spotlight with her soul-stirring vocals."
There was also a tribute to Tiree accordionist Gordon Connell at the Old Fruitmarket in the form of a ceilidh, featuring many of the teacher's former pupils including musicians from Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Tide Lines.
Òran Mór played host to Canadian songstress Allison Russell
Skye band, the Valtos entertained the crowd
Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full swing over the past 18 days. From composing tunes from scratch to having a go at the bagpipes and learning the ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse themselves in every facet of the festival.
The festival's free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music of 8,000 school children from across Scotland.
Glasgow Life chairperson, Bailie Annette Christie, said: "This 31st edition of Celtic Connections has not only demonstrated how internationally renowned and much-loved this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how immeasurably important it is to Glasgow and to Scotland - and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in future years."
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