Jose Gonzalez, King Creosote, Karine Polwart and more lead Celtic Connections 2027 line-up
The festival’s 34th edition will welcome musicians from more than 20 countries
Celtic Connections has announced the full line-up for its 2027 programme, which features a selection of popular and emerging artists from the fields of folk, traditional, roots, world, jazz, orchestral, electronic, Americana and indie music, welcoming music from more than 20 countries. Taking place from Thursday 14–Sunday 31 January, major acts to visit the festival include indie-folk guitarist José González, small-piper Brìghde Chaimbeul and popular English singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner.
Making a headline appearance on the bill is GRIT Orchestra, who are expanding their repertoire beyond the work of Martyn Bennett to present a suite of Scottish traditional music, alongside some of Bennett’s best-loved songs. Also flying the flag for Scottish trad is west coast-based Trail West, the Highland’s Elephant Sessions, Scots singers Siobhan Miller and Kris Drever, as well as Gaelic artists Julie Fowlis, Breabach and Kim Carnie.
Contemporary folk will also receive a good showing with King Creosote, who will perform with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for a unique interpretation of his back catalogue. Scottish folk star Karine Polwart will take over the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, while Irish collective Ye Vagabonds will perform a special show backed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to celebrate music created in the folk clubs of Ireland.
Further afield, the programme will take in Americana from the likes of Sierra Hull, The Brudi Brothers, Milk Carton Kids, and the Grammy award-winning Punch Brothers; global beats from Sulaf, Raghu Dixit, Noura Mint Seymali and Momi Maiga; emerging talent including Tarran, Josie Duncan, BIIRD and Manx fiddle player Isla Callister; and a night dedicated to the climate crisis, hosted by climate campaigner George Monbiot, and featuring alt-folk group Megalichen and Siobhan Wilson’s new trio FLOWERCORE.
Celtic Connections creative director Donald Shaw, who will mark 21 years at the helm of the festival, says: ‘January is all about embracing musical exploration, uncovering something new that takes you by surprise, and getting out and about regardless of the dark nights. This festival believes in great music, excellent company and the power of connection. That spirit of discovery and optimism runs right through the 2027 programme, with artists people will know and love, new names, unique collaborations and shows that simply won’t happen anywhere else. For 18 days, Celtic Connections will be a meeting place for cultures, ideas and a sprinkling of intangible magic, so come and get curious, we promise you won’t regret it.’
Celtic Connections, various venues, Glasgow, Thursday 14–Sunday 31 January.