That the Parliament congratulates Celtic Connections on winning the outstanding cultural event or festival award at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards 2025; recognises what it sees as the festival’s outstanding contribution to Glasgow’s cultural life and its reaffirmation of the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Music; notes that the festival, now in its 32nd year, delivers around 300 events across 25 venues over 18 days, showcasing a diverse range of genres from traditional Celtic and acoustic music to jazz, indie, blues, orchestral, experimental and more; acknowledges that Celtic Connections welcomes artists from around 20 countries, bringing international talent and collaboration to Glasgow’s stages; understands that the festival attracts around 110,000 visitors and involves approximately 1,200 musicians and artists, creating significant cultural and economic benefits for the city; notes the introduction of a new under-26 membership, ensuring that the festival remains accessible to young audiences and continues to inspire the next generation of music lovers, and recognises Celtic Connections for its ongoing innovation, ambition and commitment to making Glasgow a global centre for music and cultural exchange.