Celtic Festivals 2026-2027

A Celtic music festival brings together the traditions of Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Galicia, Asturias, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. Expect pipe bands and Breton bagadoù, solo pipers, gaita and harp players, trad folk groups and a few louder folk-rock acts. Most of these events run outdoors in summer with competitions, parades and dancing, though Glasgow holds a large one in January.

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany has been running since 1971. It lasts ten days around the start of August, honours one Celtic nation each year and keeps a large share of its concerts free. Celtic Connections, founded in Glasgow in 1994, fills the city's concert halls and clubs from mid-January into early February. For something smaller, Tiree Music Festival takes place in July on an island in the Inner Hebrides, so book the ferry early.