Scottish Blog

Celtic Connections is a festival celebrating Celtic culture and music.

Celtic Connections draws much parallels to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, festival, albeit with a modern twist and almost paradoxically an emphasis on more traditional aspects of Scottish life. Like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Celtic connections has grown from its relatively small roots and expanded to become both an integral aspect of its field of art and an important event in terms of its economic benefits.

Celtic Connections began in 1994, in Glasgow, Scotland. Its humble beginning saw only 32,000 people attend the event, which was spread out over one single venue. As a stark contrast, the current incarnation of Celtic Connections saw over 100,000 people attend the 2006 event, which was spread out over ten individual venues. It is also believed that in coming years the event will expand its influence by broadcasting all events, plus extras over the internet.

Celtic Connections can be thought to be divided into two individual aspects. The first is a series of morning concerts aimed at children, with the prime purpose of fostering an acceptance and appreciation of Celtic culture.
The other important aspect of Celtic connections is of course the Celtic music, although in line with the changing times and musical tastes this is more often Celtic inspired, then traditional Celtic fare.