PHOTOGRAPHING THE 2026 CELTIC CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL
Here we are, another Celtic Connections festival wrapped! Before we get to the images, some stats for you first:
- 114,000 attendees
- 1,600 artists
- 474 final edited images supplied
- 300 events (200 sell outs)
- 35 countries represented
- 25 venues
- 18 days
I know these things can read like a PR spiel, but it doesn’t make them any less true (or impressive) and it does give you an idea of the festival’s scope. It was my 3rd year documenting it (you can check my reflections on the previous editions here and here) and I had the best time. Like, THE BEST.
Yes, it involves a lot of running around (often covering multiple events at different venues each evening), late nights (images need to be edited and supplied for the media by the following morning) and butting heads with security (apparently Access All Areas pass is mood dependent these days), but overwhelmingly it’s an absolute joy and privilege to be involved in. I get to photograph artists I’ve known and admired for years, discover new ones and challenge myself and my abilities as a photographer.
This year’s personal highlights were Buena Vista All Stars at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (I could’ve easily made an entire blog entry just with photographs from that night - it was magic); my friend and frequent collaborator Horse who, accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, rocked the sold out, legendary Barrowland Ballroom; Roaming Roots Review (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall again) and my old pals Skerryvore at the Emirates Arena (fun fact: Skerryvore were the first band I ever photographed back in 2012!).
It was fun, it was intense, I’ve just about managed to return to my normal sleeping routine and I’m hoping to do it all again next year. For the time being, here’s a selection of my personal favourites from this year’s festival. Enjoy!
