In light of the current situation across the world, the Celtic Connections team have put together a digital-first festival for 2021 - and they're here to tell you all about it!
Image courtesy of Celtic Connections, credit Gaëlle Beri
Celtic Connections fans can expect to see an array of the most well-known and best-loved acts that have traditionally graced the festival’s stages. Celtic Connections 2021, in its digital format, will present concerts using an online platform every night between Friday 15 January - Tuesday 2 February 2021.
Top quality performances will be available to view online across the 19 days, with some of the biggest names on the Scottish music scene and beyond appearing on screens across the world as part of the 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 on the Celtic Connections website.
The very best of Scotland’s roots music has always sat at the heart of this international festival, and has been the core that unites and collaborates with cultures and musical talent from all over the world.
This long-established connection and cultivation of the Scottish traditional music scene, alongside the recognition that Celtic Connections is a key driver in the development of Scotland’s cultural sector, has informed the decision to focus particularly on talent from at home here in Scotland for this digital-first festival.
Image courtesy of Celtic Connections, credit Gaëlle Beri
The festival will focus on creating exclusive 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 here to help protect Scotland’s rich musical legacy.
Here are five acts from Scotland that viewers can look forward to seeing as part of the digital festival.
Having established themselves among Glasgow's finest indie acts, the Glasgow-based 5-piece Admiral Fallow produce heartbreakingly beautiful, sonically audacious and lyrically bewitching songs. With three albums under their belt, Admiral Fallow have been hard at work on their much-anticipated fourth album. Celtic Connections audiences can expect some exciting new tunes alongside a selection box of old favourites.
Zoë Bestel’s ethereal vocals, poignant melodies and stirring lyrics have positioned her as one of Scotland’s most captivating young singer-songwriters. The award-winning Glasgow based nu-folk musician has captivated audiences across Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway, and the Czech Republic. She will return to the Celtic Connections stage in 2021.
Since forming in 2013, neo trad quintet Elephant Sessions have showcased their unique sound to audiences across Europe and beyond. Their electrifying performances and their boundary pushing experimentation has earned them a loyal following worldwide. For one night only, as part of Celtic Connections, the Elephant Sessions will perform from their hometown of Inverness. Bringing their now infamous late-night party show from a custom-built stage, audiences will join the band to go behind the scenes of the performance as they play their biggest tunes directly into living rooms across the world.
RANT is the meeting of 4 of Scotland’ s finest fiddle players, two from the Shetland Islands and two from the Highlands. Bethany Reid, Jenna Reid, Lauren MacColl and Anna Massie join forces to create a sound which is both rich and lush, yet retaining all the bite and spark synonymous with a Scottish fiddle player. Using just their fiddles, they weave a tapestry of melodies, textures, layers and sounds. Known for their work as soloists and with various bands, this is a celebration of the instrument they all have a passion for.
Fergus McCreadie is a phenomenal young pianist and his trio with David Bowden (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums) is one of the most exciting young groups on the European jazz scene. The trio’s music is dynamic and beautifully crafted, reflecting the Scottish landscape and musical traditions while honouring the American and European jazz legacies. The threesome brought audiences to their feet across Northern Europe during their Spring ’19 tour and recently appeared at the renowned Ronnie Scott’s International Piano Trio Festival.
Find out more about Celtic Connections and get your tickets over on the Celtic Connections 2021 website
