Celtic Connections, one of Scotland’s biggest winter festivals, got off to an amazing start this year, celebrating Glasgow’s 850th birthday in style. I was lucky enough to photograph the opening night at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where 20 incredible artists from Scotland and beyond put on a three hour show to remember!
The Bluebells perform at Celtic Connections
Siobhan Miller and Roddy Hart hosted an incredible mix of music, from 80s indie-pop legends The Bluebells playing Young at Heart to the Craig Armstrong String Ensemble performing a stunning piece alongside archival footage of Glasgow’s old shipyards. One of the biggest highlights for me was the fusion of Indian and Scottish music, with the Qawwali Project teaming up with the Glasgow Piping Quintet. Their unique collaboration perfectly captured the spirit of the festival!.
Qawwali Project and the Glasgow Piping Quintet
The night ended with Paul McKenna leading many of the musicians from the evening in a rousing rendition of the late Michael Marra’s “Mother Glasgow”. This was my first time at Celtic Connections but I’ll certainly be back to enjoy the music without the camera next time!