URGENT UPDATE: Glasgow is set to come alive this weekend with the Celtic Connections festival, bringing free live music to local coffee shops on November 29, 2023. This exciting initiative encourages young music lovers to step out and discover emerging artists in intimate settings throughout the city.
Scottish songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod, who rocketed to fame after her song “Complex” went viral on TikTok, is at the forefront of this movement. She emphasizes that live music experiences are irreplaceable, urging Glaswegians to immerse themselves in the festival’s unique atmosphere.
Three pop-up gigs will take place across city coffee shops: Patricia’s x SLB in the Southside, Through The House in the City Centre, and Black Pine in the West End. Attendees can look forward to cozy performances from the country group Grayling, award-winning folk trio Fell Line, and indie folk singer-songwriter Mairi Sutherland.
Katie highlights the importance of this opportunity for both artists and audiences: “Every year the festival brings this huge outpouring of music and people into the city. You can wander around Glasgow and just stumble on something you’ve never heard before. It’s absolutely magic – you can’t replace that feeling with anything else.”
In addition to the performances, young people are invited to join the festival’s Under 26 Community through QR codes available at each venue. By joining, they will automatically enter for a chance to win a coveted Celtic Connections Golden Ticket, which includes a personal consultation with Katie to curate a personalized festival experience, as well as tickets to various shows and a meal at the Innis & Gunn Glasgow Taproom.
Katie, who will be performing her biggest Celtic Connections show yet in 2025, underscores the urgency of experiencing live music amid the digital age. “Artists are really struggling right now because of the pervasive nature of the online world and the way we consume music now, so seeing live music is more important than ever,” she explains.
The full Celtic Connections festival will run from January 15 to February 1, 2026, with tickets available online. As Glasgow gears up for this weekend’s musical festivities, the sense of community and discovery promises to resonate deeply with both performers and audiences alike.
Don’t miss out on this chance to explore new sounds and connect with local talent – grab your friends, head to your nearest coffee shop, and let the music take you away!
