Celtic Connections and is an integral and vibrant part of cultural life in Glasgow, with the economic impact on the city reaching £5.8 million in 2007. The festival actively promotes artistic links and cultural exchange across countries, reinforced by Showcase Scotland which brought 200 music industry delegates from 35 different countries to Scotland looking to book Scottish bands for festivals abroad in 2008. The 2008 festival opened with the Common Ground concert where many of the artists taking part in the event performed together. Donald Shaw, artistic director of the festival, spoke about the future of Celtic Connections as well as the
Austin City Limits Music Festival of neighborhood disputes in the previous years. Three-day passes were sold for $105. Last minute replacement acts included: Several acts were scheduled to appear, but cancelled due to transportation issues arising from Hurricane Rita, they included: The 2004 festival took place on September 17, 18, and 19. The 2004 festival had eight stages, and, on the second day of the festival, a top attendance of 75,000 people. This spike in attendance forced the festival promoters to lower capacity per the request of surrounding neighborhood associations. Austin City Limits Music Festival The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is an annual