Kathleen MacInnes, second right, will be taking part in Celtic Connections, as will Eddi Reader, pictured above, with a host of artists online.
By Bill Heaney
Celtic Connections has announced the first list of artists who will perform as part of their digital-first festival this January. Across 19 days, the festival will present online performances every night between Friday 15th January – Tuesday 2nd February 2021.
World class performances will be available to view online with some of the biggest names on the Scottish music scene and beyond appearing on screens across the world as part of the winter festival.
An early bird ticket has been released that gives unlimited access to the full 19 nights of entertainment for only £30. Tickets are available to purchase here.
The festival is creating unique digital content from specially commissioned projects and performances filmed across many of Glasgow’s much-loved venues. In doing so the festival will support and encourage the creative industries to help protect Scotland’s rich musical legacy.
Celtic Connections also welcomes BBC ALBA as a broadcast partner with exclusive performances and a new series of Seirm@Celtic Connections.
The initial line-up has been announced with some of the most well-known and best-loved acts who have traditionally graced the festival stages confirmed to take part in this digital-first event.
Celtic Connections prides itself on its international relations and every year it showcases artists from across the world. Organisers have ensured that a number of international acts who have filmed their performances remotely are also included in the line-up alongside a host of incredible homegrown talent.
The line-up for Celtic Connections 2021 will include:
- Admiral Fallow
- Aidan O’Rourke 365
- Amira Kheir
- Bassekou Kouyate & Amy Sacko
- Blazin Fiddles
- Blue Rose Code
- Breabach
- Cherish The Ladies
- Chris Stout & Catriona McKay
- Declan O’Rourke
- De Temps Antan
- Duncan Chisholm & Scottish Ensemble
- Eddi Reader
- Edwin Morgan 100th
- Elephant Sessions
- Fara
- Fergus McCreadie Trio
- Fiona Hunter
- Georgia Cécile
- Gnoss
- Grosse Isle
- Imar
- James Grant
- José González
- Kinnaris Quintet
- Kris Drever
- Karen Matheson
- Kathleen MacInnes
- Le Vent Du Nord
- Lyre
- Mairearad Green
- Mànran
- Paul McKenna Band
- Project Smok
- RANT
- Rachel Newton
- Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi
- Roaming Roots Revue
- Rory Butler
- Ross Ainslie
- SCO with Karine Polwart & Pekka Kuusisto
- Sian
- Siobhan Miller
- Shooglenifty
- Sona Jobarteh
- Sorren MacLean & Hannah Fisher
- Talisk
- The Secret Sisters
- Transatlantic Sessions
- TRYST
- Westward the Light
- Xabier Diaz
- Zoe Bestel
Kris Kirstoffersen taking part in a previous Celtic Connection concert with Paddy Moloney and the Chieftains. Pictures by Bill Heaney
* Celtic Connections is delivered by the charity Glasgow Life and is funded by Glasgow City Council, Creative Scotland and The Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund.