Remember me
The celebration of traditional, roots and world music saw attendances of 114,000 across 18 days.
More than 1600 artists featured at 25 venues across Glasgow with sell-outs up from 125 to 200.
They hailed from more than 35 countries including Palestine, Iraq, Ukraine and Cuba.
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Celtic Connections creative director Donald Shaw said: “Such a unique coming together of performers as a global family sends a powerful message about the strength of music, cultural identity and collaboration, especially at a time when the world can feel more fragmented than ever.
“From the Drygate to Donbas, Byres Road to Baghdad, Candleriggs to Palestine, these past incredible days have been forged in friendship, fortitude and the freedom to express ourselves through song, dance and performance, filled with hope, inspiration and togetherness.
“To see audiences turn out in such record numbers through a cold and wet winter month is the most fitting tribute we could hope for, and I would like to thank everyone involved for making our 33rd edition so memorable, as we already begin the exciting work of looking ahead to what comes next.”
Four free concerts welcomed almost 7000 children and young people from across Scotland into the main auditorium of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Pupils from nursery age to S6 classes experienced live performances by the likes of Sian, DLÙ, Celtic Fandango and Ímar.
Last night’s programme included the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year final, the Danny Kyle Open Stage, Transatlantic Sessions and a performance from three-time Grammy winner Lucinda Williams.
The chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Celtic Connections has launched Scotland’s cultural calendar – and a landmark year of international events in Glasgow – in spectacular style.”
Next year will mark the third of a five-year headline sponsorship partnership with Innis & Gunn, with Celtic Connections returning from January 14 to 31.