Celtic Connections postpone Friday events over Storm Éowyn before bouncing back
Organisers remain 'hopeful' that shows can resume on Saturday but have called on ticket holders to check websites, social media and emails for latest updates
“Coorie in”, was the advice from BBC Reporting Scotland’s weather presenter Calum MacColl earlier as he tried to ram home the potential dangers in store in the looming Storm Éowyn about to our shores.
He predicted the Central Belt and beyond would become a “wind tunnel” during the peak Red warning period of 10am to 5pm, with speeds in some exposed areas expected to top even 100mph. Trains have been cancelled.
Schools have been shut. Mobile phones have shrieked with official government alerts at 6pm. Bus routes are being suspended, restaurants closed. You get the drift. More here at The Herald and Daily Record.
So, inevitably, Celtic Connections in consultation with partners have called off all their events in that period. It’s an utter nightmare for many, disappointment for some, but comment sections have been awash with understanding that there simply was no choice but to put safety first.
Check out Windy to see why.
Interlude
Among the casualties, Elephant Sessions, who were all ready to go.
Other events blown away include: The Chair 20th anniversary gig with Fara at the Barrowland, Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway, John McIntyre and Máirtin O’Connor, Song Club: Nell Mescal, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, Elanor Moss & Special Guests, Norman Willmore & Corrie Dick with Hannah Read, The Magic Numbers and Niamh Bury, No Crows and Padraig Jack, Ross Miller Band with Fell Line, Curlew and Aurora Engine, The Friel Sisters with Nuala Kennedy & Eamon O’Leary, The Seeger Sessions Revival and Irish Mythen, Winter Bloom: Brighde Chaimbeul, Assynt and Sian, Ailsa Amador and Mared Williams plus the Merchant City Trad Trail, Celtic Connections on Campus, Danny Kyle Open Stage, House of Song and the Late Night Sessions.
The Festival Club at Glee is also off, but those who bought straight from the venue should have had emails about what options are available on a first come first served basis.
The good news is the show must go on, organisers say that will be as soon as is possible and almost certainly Saturday.
Update: The Hug and Pint managed to put on what they said may have been the only gig in Glasgow that night with No Crows playing. Thanks to Ed for pointing it out.
Van-Tastic
And for those lucky enough to be in Glasgow already, Peat and Diesel are moments away from ripping it up for the first ever gig at the Emirates Arena. This brilliant tour video by Keith Morrison at Wee Studio charted the build up.
And there’s plenty more music still to come.
So near, Sofar
Sofar Sounds have also had to postpone their show in Edinburgh this Friday.
Meanwhile in Glasgow …. the chapter’s first show of the year takes place on Jan 31.
Who Better
Peter Capaldi has joined the line-up for this summer’s Belladrum Festival along with Supergrass, Natasha Bedingfield nd many more.
Festival Funds
ICYMI: HebCelt is on course to have helped the islands with an economic boost totalling £40m by the time its 30th anniversary comes around in two years.
This Month’s Podcast
Episode 18: Ainsley Hamill talks about her latest album, Fable, ahead of her double appearance at this year’s Celtic Connections.
Thanks for reading. Apologies for the recent absence which has been for no other reason other than busy, busy, busy …. x
The NoCrows gig actually went ahead because it was via an independent opromoter