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
Dublin Irish Festival The Columbus Feis, an internationally renowned Irish dance competition, occurs every year at the same time as the Irish Festival. The 2017 Dublin Irish Festival takes place on August 4th, 5th and 6th. This year is the thirtieth anniversary of the festival. The main attractions play at stages located throughout Coffman Park, including the Killian's Celtic Rock Stage, Scotts Miracle-Gro Dublin Stage, Chase Bank Trinity Stage, Giant Eagle Irish Thunder Stage, Allstate Dean Insurance Shamrock Stage, Celtic Music House, and the Cardinal Health Ceili Dance Tent. The Irish Festival began in 1988 with a handful of dancers and a band