Celtic Connections 2019 programme launched

The programme for Celtic Connections 2019 has been announced.

Musicians from across the globe will descend on Glasgow over 18 days on Thursday January 17 to take part in more than 300 events throughout the city.

Acts include Rhiannon Giddens, Niteworks, Elephant Sessions, Bokante, Loudon Wainwright III and Shooglenifty, as well as Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert.

Donald Shaw, creative producer for Celtic Connections, said: “Every year we strive to programme the most diverse and eclectic festival yet and 2019 is shaping up to be just that.

“From artists who have influenced the current scene, to musicians who are re-defining the music of tomorrow, Celtic Connections 2019 will continue to embrace a huge range of styles and genres that showcase artists and cultures from across the world.”

Last year’s 25th festival celebrations saw more than 2,300 artists from over 30 countries performing, with around 130,000 people in attendance.

The Celtic Connections 2019 opening concert will celebrate the passing on of traditions between generations.

It will include up to 70 emerging young talents selected from the events known as 45 Feisean, now held annually around Scotland, as well as the Orcadian youth music project Hadhirgaan and Galician folk orchestra SonDeSeu.

World music artists such as Benjamin Clementine, Delgres, The Como Mamas, Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita, Mariza and Bassekou Kouyate will appear.