Celtic Connections Celtic Connections The Celtic Connections festival started in 1994 in Glasgow, Scotland, and has since been held every January. Featuring over 300 concerts, ceilidhs, talks, free events, late night sessions and workshops, the festival focuses on the roots of traditional Scottish music and also features international folk, roots and world music artists. The festival is produced and promoted by Glasgow’s Concert Halls. Donald Shaw, a founding member of Capercaillie, was appointed Celtic Connections Artistic Director in 2006. Shaw announced in February 2018 that he would be stepping aside from the role. At the core of the festival is the Education
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