Scottish craft beer maker Innis & Gunn has been named the Headline Partner for Celtic Connections, Glasgow’s premier winter festival celebrating Celtic music, for the next five years, commencing with the 2025 event.
The partnership was unveiled at Innis & Gunn’s Ashton Lane Taproom, with Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, and emerging folk band Astro Bloc in attendance.
The latter, representing Glasgow’s thriving traditional music scene, is set to perform at the 2025 festival.
Innis & Gunn, renowned for its Scottish-brewed ales, has a history of supporting Scottish cultural events, including The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe.
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This new collaboration aims to enhance the festival experience for both audiences and performers through innovative approaches.
The 32nd Celtic Connections, scheduled from 16 January to 2 February, will showcase a diverse array of internationally acclaimed musicians, new performances, and unique collaborations.
The festival, organised by Glasgow Life, is expected to host around 300 events across 25 venues, drawing approximately 110,000 visitors and featuring 1,200 musicians and artists.
This partnership further solidifies Glasgow’s status as a UNESCO City of Music, promising to deliver an even more captivating celebration of Celtic culture and music in the coming years.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It’s hard to imagine a better fit as a partner for Celtic Connections than Innis & Gunn.
“Both were established in this country and the festival and brewer have a uniquely Scottish identity that is appreciated much further afield.
“Most importantly, we each share the same passion to enhance the festival experience for music fans and for innovation, originality and connection.
“Innis & Gunn will allow Celtic Connections to continue bringing local musicians and emerging artists to Glasgow and I hope will give us an opportunity to bring some concerts and performers to places Celtic Connections hasn’t been before.
“We’re incredibly excited to be toasting this lasting partnership with a fellow Scottish household name.”
Dougal Sharp, Master Brewer and founder of Innis & Gunn, said: “We kicked off our Edinburgh Festival takeover at The Mound this year with a performance by Scottish Supergroup Mànran and their performance inspired me. It was a total lightbulb moment.
“The crowd was absolutely buzzing, passers by stopped to watch their set and the energy around our venue was incredible. In that moment the penny dropped for me that modern Trad music is really gaining momentum.
“After getting more into the scene it’s clear that the Celtic music scene in Scotland is at a tipping point, with more people here and around the world embracing its raw energy and infectious melodies.
“We are thrilled now to be part of that. The music just makes you feel something — it connects with your soul, whether or not you know the song, the words, or the band.
“We’ve long admired Celtic Connections; the music, the artists, and the incredible buzz represent the very best of Scotland. That’s why Innis & Gunn is so proud to be Headline Partner for the coming five years.
“Our music, our characterful people, stunning landscapes, inventive history, and world-famous drinks industry all combine to create a culture that gives Scotland its unique place on the world stage.
“Like Celtic Connections, Innis & Gunn could only have come from here; a reflection of everything that makes Scotland what it is today, Brewed by Scotland, for the world.”
The 2025 Celtic Connections festival, unveiled in October, promises a rich tapestry of musical genres, from traditional and acoustic to jazz, blues, and experimental sounds.
This year’s event will showcase talent from approximately 20 nations, including Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, France, Italy, Nigeria, Spain, Wales, Ireland, and the Republic of the Congo, amongst others.
In a bid to engage younger audiences, the festival is introducing a new under-26s pass, offering rolling discounts on various performances.
This initiative aims to make the festival’s unique atmosphere accessible to a broader range of music enthusiasts.
Performances will grace iconic Glasgow venues, including The Old Fruitmarket, Barrowland Ballroom, SWG3, Saint Luke’s, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
In a festival first, Peat and Diesel are set to perform at the Emirates Arena. The event receives crucial support from Glasgow City Council through Glasgow Life, with additional backing from Creative Scotland and The Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund.
Tickets for the festival and programme information can be found at www.celticconnections.com.
