Celtic Connections proudly presents this year’s Battle of the Folk Bands on Saturday 18th January in the Drygate Brewery at 1pm, one of the most exciting events showcasing Scotland’s finest emerging talent. Five brilliant new bands – Beatha, Dàna, Dauntless, Lussa, and The Jack Houston Band – will take to the stage to compete for a coveted spot at next year’s festival. Each group brings their own fresh take on Scottish traditional music, from Beatha’s award-winning Celtic style to Dàna’s bold all-female sound, Dauntless’ dynamic trio arrangements, Lussa’s bright global influences, and The Jack Houston Band’s Scottish-Irish fusion. This much-loved competition has launched the careers of many leading folk acts, including Dosca and Eabhal, and last year’s winners Megan MacDonald, Chloë Bryce & Calum McIlroy. Don’t miss this chance to discover your new favourite folk band! The winners will receive a day in the GloWormRecording studio and a performance at Celtic Connections 2026.
Based in Glasgow, Beatha brings together three talented musicians who met while studying Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The band features Kenneth Macfarlane on whistle, Iona Reid on piano, and Cam Lawson on bodhran. They’ve performed across the UK at prestigious events including Celtic Connections, where they won a Danny Kyle Award. Their festival appearances include Braemar Folk Festival and Birmingham TradFest. The group recently made their international debut in Chédigny, France, ahead of their upcoming EP release.
This all-female band from Glasgow takes their name from the Gaelic word for “bold.” The group formed whilst studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, bringing together fiddle, clarsach, whistle, and piano. Their sound blends traditional and contemporary tunes, influenced by their diverse regional backgrounds and dialects. Dàna has quickly established themselves in the Scottish music scene, performing at notable events including Carradale Music Festival, Under Canvas, MOKFest, and Piping Live.
This exciting trio combines 18th-century fiddle music with original compositions to create a unique listening experience. Their repertoire ranges from energetic foot-stomping tunes to thoughtful, melodic pieces. Though the members have played together informally for years in various groups, they’ve now officially united as Dauntless. Each musician brings exceptional talent and accomplishment to the group, promising to energise the traditional music scene with their fresh approach.
Formed in October 2023, Lussa takes their name from the Latin word for “light.” This Glasgow-based quartet comprises Naomi Priestnall and Ellie McConnell on fiddles, Eneko Lane on guitars and banjo, and Bailey McCoo on keys. All four met while studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Their arrangements reflect their diverse traditional backgrounds, creating a bright and joyous style that draws inspiration from across the globe.
Led by Donegal fiddler Jack Houston, this Glasgow-based ensemble includes Megan MacDonald (accordion), Galen Brook (mandolin/banjo), Nicky Kirk (guitar), and Eòghainn Beaton (bodhran/pipes). The band blends Scottish and Irish traditions, with Houston’s style deeply rooted in Donegal fiddle music. Following the success of Jack’s debut album ‘ÓMÓS’, the band has performed at prestigious events including Letterkenny Trad Week and the Seamus Grant Festival, where they shared the stage with Blazin’ Fiddles.
Battle of The Folk Bands is a Hands Up for Trad event supported by Celtic Connections festival. If you would like to support the work of Hands Up for Trad you can do so here.