Irish superstars to grace Celtic Connections

TRADITIONAL music heavyweights Sharon Shannon and Luka Bloom will be among the Irish artists showcasing their talents at next year’s Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.

The city’s world-renowned festival—one of the brightest highlights of Scotland’s cultural calendar—is set to get 2026 off to a spectacular start with a packed programme of superb entertainment from an incredible line-up of global talent, setting the tone for Glasgow’s year of unforgettable international events.

From January 15 to February 1, 2026 the award-winning festival will bring more than 300 events—from major music gigs to intimate performances —to more than 25 venues across the city. Some 1200 artists will take part—with excellent Irish representation among them—and audiences of around 110,000 are expected to attend.

Irish musician and composer Sharon Shannon is legendary. She is a groundbreaking figure who redefined the role of the button accordion in traditional music. Hailing from County Clare, she is celebrated for her lively, lyrical playing and her fearless approach to genre.

A former member of seminal folk-rock band The Waterboys, Shannon's subsequent solo career exploded with her 1991 self-titled debut, which remains the best-selling album of traditional Irish music ever released in Ireland. While firmly rooted in traditional Irish music, Shannon’s multi-platinum career is defined by her eclectic collaborations, fearlessly blending her sound with reggae, country, hip-hop, tango, and classical music. She has recorded and toured with a ‘who's who’ of global talent, including Bono, Adam Clayton, John Prine, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, and Shane MacGowan.

Known for her energetic and unpretentious live performances, Sharon Shannon is truly a national treasure whose dynamic stage presence and virtuosic talent continue to captivate audiences worldwide and will do so in Glasgow at the Old Fruitmarket on January 22.

Luka Bloom, born Kevin Barry Moore—the brother of fellow Irish musician Christy—is a trailblazing Irish singer-songwriter known for blending folk tradition with bold reinvention. After early acclaim in Europe’s folk scene, he adopted his stage name in 1987 and forged a powerful solo acoustic style that channelled rock energy.

Albums like The Acoustic Motorbike and Between the Mountain and the Moon earned him global respect. Bloom’s prolific career spans heartfelt folk, world music fusions, and even guided meditation. Tireless on stage and in the studio, he’s a true DIY troubadour whose lyrical depth and fearless creativity continue to inspire audiences worldwide. His performance will take place on January 26 in the Mackintosh Church.

Other Irish acts performing at the 2026 edition of the festival include: Cherish the Ladies, The New Leaves, Landless, The Johnny Quinn Macs, Neil Ó Lochlainn’s Cuar, Dani Larkin, Junior Brother, Danu and John Blek.

“At the very heart of our 33rd festival are celebration, collaboration and connection,” Celtic Connections Creative Producer, Donald Shaw, said. “We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world—from award-winning performers to young newcomers. And we can’t wait to welcome so many fantastic artists and acts to Glasgow in the new year to perform for our audiences in every corner of the city.

“Celtic Connections is a celebration of the boundless power of music to connect and inspire; to transcend borders and provide a platform where Scotland’s own musical might is matched by global talent.

“Our diverse programme showcases a wealth of musical genres and styles, and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that’s in store. As we champion the universal language of music, we invite lifelong music fans and curious newcomers to join us as there’s something magical waiting for everyone at Celtic Connections 2026.”

Tickets for Celtic Connections 2026 are on sale now via: www.celticconnections.com