Taking place on George Square on Sunday 12 August, this night of entertainment will showcase some of Scotland’s best home-grown talent and international artists, in partnership with Europe’s biggest winter music festival.

Kicking off the free night of entertainment is the Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail who will take to the stage for the final performance of their two-week long summer tour, which has helped young people across Scotland discover what life is like as a touring traditional musician.

They will be followed by multi award-winning singer Siobhan Miller who will perform with her band. Her expressive, stirring portrayal of traditional song has seen her crowned as BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards winner in the ‘Best Traditional Track’ category and Scots Singer of the Year an unprecedented three times at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards; in 2011, 2013, and 2017.

Taking the bagpipes to ground-breaking new levels, Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson are renowned for pushing the boundaries and expectations of what their instruments can achieve. The duo will be joined by special guests for a vibrant mix of new and original compositions, in what promises to be an unmissable gig.

Appearing as a winning combination, Galician trio Tanxugueiras comprise of three powerful voices accompanied by tambourine - creating an overwhelming presence on stage.

The inimitable Malian superstar Fatoumata Diawara will also take to the closing night stage. Heralded as one of the most dynamic champions of modern African music and noted for her incredible voice, Fatoumata has performed with Malian and international greats such as Oumou Sangaré, Cheick Tidiane Seck and Paul McCartney.

Celtic fusion band Shooglenifty will round off the evening in incredible style with their blend of Scottish traditional music, electronica and alternative rock. They will perform on stage at George Square following a recent trip to Jodhpur where they recorded their 8th studio album.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “A Celtic Connections closing party will be a truly fitting end to Festival 2018 in Glasgow this summer, rounding off a truly innovative and exciting cultural programme to accompany the inaugural European Championships.

“This night of free entertainment promises to deliver wonderful performances from some of Scotland’s best home grown talent as well as international artists, showcasing our talent and enhancing our international reputation for cultural brilliance by creating new and vibrant experiences.”

Glasgow City Council’s Depute Leader, Councillor David McDonald said: “Glasgow is a Unesco City of Music – and you wouldn’t expect us to end a wonderful summer festival showcasing art and culture from across Scotland with anything less than a party.

“Celtic Connections has become a globally-renowned highlight in our cultural calendar and this event will deliver the same kind of lively, innovative and unmissable performances it is famed for, right in the heart of the city, at George Square.”

Celtic Connections Artistic Director, Donald Shaw, said: “Having celebrated our 25th anniversary earlier this year, the Celtic Connections music festival has grown from humble beginnings into a globally recognised festival of national importance, therefore we were delighted to be asked to programme the closing night of these inaugural Championships– an event that is set to take centre stage on an international scale.

“We constantly strive to embrace a host of home-grown talent, while working with artists from across the world. In our programming we have worked to showcase Scotland’s unique and evolving music tradition as well as the array of influences it continues to embrace.”

Festival 2018 is a programme of cultural events running alongside the first ever European Championships, which will welcome its final performances to Glasgow’s George Square on Sunday 12 August.

For tickets, please head to festival2018glasgow.com