At the beginning in 1994 when it was still called Celtic Connections, there were cultural events granted but the music was (celtic)folk.

In response to the many requests from patrons for a broad based Celtic music programme, staff at the Concert Hall devised "the Celtic Connections Festival" which will take place over a fortnight in mid January '94, '95 and '96. This year the emphasis is on celtic folk groups and singers, modern celtic art, the art of conversation, a fashion show and a number of ceilidhs. The folk groups, singers, celtic art, talks and ceilidhs have continued to this day. However the fashion show was never to be repeated.

There is no-one at the first two festivals I have not seen (or would like to see) at a what most people would regard as an "ordinary" folk festival, in fact I have a seen a few of them at folk clubs!!

Only in year three did it become more of a cross-cultural event as it is now.