Seirm

This episode sees Mary Ann Kennedy chatting to special guests and introducing performances from bands from all over the UK and Ireland. The Henry Girls reveal why they are so popular with audiences here and across Europe, and virtuoso uillean piper Calum Stewart performs with a lively band and even livelier step dancer Sophie Stephenson. Young Islay singer Mairi MacGillivray and her band perform a set of Gaelic songs, including some from her native island and folk supergroup The Alt take to the stage.

This 4th episode reflects the diversity of the festival. Appearances by Leyla McCalla, Dlù, Stundom, plus Norman Blake, James Grant and Monica Queen.

This programme reflects the diversity of the festival with appearances by award-winning composers and performers Marit & Rona, whose innvovative music ensures that they are in great demand. Making their second Seirm Celtic Connections appearance are the exciting Kinnaris Quintet, who combine Scottish and Irish folk music with bluegrass, classical and Appalachian influences and who have won a large following and awards in just five years. As their name suggests The Yellow House All-Star Band is full of musical stars. Fronted by acclaimed singer Ainslie Hammill, the band also features Ciarán Ryan, Jack Badcock, Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer, all of whom are formidable musicians and singers and represent the best of the contemporary folk scene.

The final episode of Seirm Celtic Connections was filmed in 2022 during the festival in Platform, Glasgow. Presenter Mary Ann Kennedy welcomes a diverse cast list of musicians, including a second appearance by Blue Rose Code, a band who blend Celtic soul, jazz, and rock to winning effect. The focus of the band, songwriter Ross Wilson, channels energy into the songs resulting in transcendental performances.

A welcome addition to any stage, the popular Fara have eclipsed their Orcadian musical roots and have played in venues everywhere, from the Stromness Hotel to the Royal Albert Hall. Here, the quartet – Jeanna Leslie, Catriona Price, Kristin Harvey and Rory Matheson – showcase music that has won them a following around the world. Also on the show is Belfast-based musician Brìghde Chaimbeul, who has set the piping world alight with her innovative style and collaborations. Here Brìghde appears with Fin Moore, the musician and instrument maker, and an early mentor of Brìghde.