Musicians from across Dumfries and Galloway are set to light up Europe’s largest winter music festival when they take to the Celtic Connections stage later this month.
Scottish singers Emily Smith, Claire Hastings and Robyn Stapleton will join musicians from across the world taking part in over 300 events in venues throughout Glasgow from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February 2020.
The 18 days of entertainment will brighten up the dark, wet January nights with a mixture of concerts that include a host of one-off musical collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions.
This year’s programme promises a dazzling array of traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music – and Emily, Claire and Robyn will all be right at the heart of it.
They will each perform as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of The Year.
Since 2001, when the final was first staged at Celtic Connections, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition – initiated and still organised by Hands Up for Trad – has been a prestigious career launch-pad for winners and runners-up alike. All three singers are among the honour-roll of victors are past who will be part of the specially-curated show.
Emily will also perform with Blazin’ Fiddles at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, 18 January, providing the perfect complement to the band’s celebrated solo and ensemble prowess.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer of Celtic Connections, said: “Celtic Connections will once again put on a diverse and expansive programme of events, welcoming musicians and visitors from near and far to Glasgow for this iconic winter festival.
“Home-grown talent continues to be at the heart of Celtic Connections and we’re looking forward to welcoming Emily Smith, Claire Hastings and Robyn Stapleton from Dumfries and Galloway to entertain the crowds on this international stage.”
Renowned as a musical cure for the wintertime blues, Celtic Connections 2020 will be the 27th incarnation of a festival that began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow.
The festival will run from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February 2020. Follow the conversation at @ccfest
For the programme line-up and to purchase tickets please go to: www.celticconnections.com
