Thousands of children experience the joy of live traditional music at Celtic Connections’ free school concerts

Over 7,000 school pupils have enjoyed performances from some of Scotland’s best traditional musicians at Celtic Connections 2025.

The festival’s free school concert programme is open to schools across Scotland. It gives young people the opportunity to experience live music in the iconic Main Auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

This year, pupils from schools all over Scotland have been treated to spectacular performances from some of the festival’s favourite acts. 

Western Isles wonders Peat and Diesel, the iconic Blazin’ Fiddles, the much-loved contemporary folk band Breabach and the outstanding Kinnaris Quintet have all performed as part of the 2025 programme.

Alongside the concerts, traditional musicians have also led in-school workshops for every primary 7 class in Glasgow. The sessions, in partnership with Glasgow CREATE, aim to develop musical skills and introduce children to Scottish traditional music. 

They include workshops in Scots and Gaelic song, pipe band drumming, bodhran, fiddle and Scottish stepdance.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It’s wonderful to see our learning programme continue to bring thousands of children and young people together, giving them the chance to enjoy and learn about Scotland’s musical heritage. The festival’s school concerts are all about introducing young people to live traditional music, which can encourage a lifelong love of music and inspire the next generation of musicians. Celtic Connections is a festival for everyone, and we want to make sure as many people as possible experience the magic of traditional music.”

Aultmore Park Primary and St Cuthbert’s Primary in Glasgow were two of the schools which attended the concerts.

Primary six pupil Chanya, from Aultmore Park Primary School, said: “I enjoyed dancing, and I saw lots of music and other people dancing as well. I saw the violin, the guitar and the piano, and I liked the piano because it sounds good and makes the music sound good as well.”

Eight-year-old Nico, from St Cuthbert’s Primary School, said: “The best part was all the dancing and the Scottish instruments, I’ve not seen a couple of them, but I liked it. My favourite were the bagpipes because it’s just my favourite and I liked the sound of it. I was up dancing, I was just jumping about crazy.”

Primary four pupil Carly, from St Cuthbert’s Primary School, said: “My favourite bit was seeing the Blazin’ fiddles and the loud music they were playing. I was just dancing about crazy. I liked the fiddle, they make good noise and they look cool. It was really fun, it was really cool and I loved to see all the people dancing.”

Celtic Connections first began in 1994 and has grown in size and ambition ever since, building an international reputation and making an unmatched contribution to the prominence of folk, traditional and world music.

Celtic Connections 2025 runs until Sunday 2 February. Visit www.celticconnections.com.