The identities of the six Québec groups who will take centre stage at Showcase Scotland (part of Celtic Connections) 2026 have been revealed. From 21 to 25 January in Glasgow, Québec will be the Spotlight Nation at Showcase Scotland, the professional programme at Celtic Connections, the UK’s largest winter music festival.
The announcement marks a key milestone in the run-up to the 2026 edition of Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections, where Québec’s rich folk and traditional music scene will be celebrated on an internationally renowned stage.
Selected in collaboration with Celtic Connections and an expert jury, the official line-up includes:
- Paruline – Indie-folk-trad project led by Charles Labrèche, exploring oral traditions with eclectic arrangements
- La Déferlance – A vibrant quartet merging traditional tunes with classical and jazz touches
- Germaine – All-female ensemble reinterpreting Québec’s folk heritage through a feminist lens
- É.T.É – Award-winning trio blending original compositions and stepdance with Québec’s musical traditions
- Bon Débarras – Acclaimed trio mixing traditional sounds, dance, poetry, and physical performance
- Cécilia – A powerhouse trio of piano, accordion and fiddle, uniting Québec and Celtic traditions
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Rooted in folk, traditional and acoustic music, the artists represent Québec’s vibrant, diverse and globally acclaimed music scene. Each was selected in close coordination with Celtic Connections’ artistic committee and brings a unique voice to the international stage.
As two sometime-independence-minded component parts of a larger political entity dominated culturally and economically by an English majority, the similarities between the two nations aren’t lost on Geneviève Brisson, agent-general of Québec in London: “Québec and Scotland are natural cultural allies, and this spotlight is a perfect platform to showcase our talent,” she said. “We’re honoured to partner with Showcase Scotland and Celtic Connections to support our artists’ international journeys.”
Beyond the official showcase, the Québec delegation will participate in trade activities, networking sessions, and additional performances curated by Celtic Connections, reinforcing Québec’s strong presence across the festival.
The initiative is part of Québec’s broader commitment to supporting artistic mobility and export development in key global markets, with the UK now ranking as its third most important music export destination, after France and the United States.
