When the Celtic Connections festival began in 1994 few would have predicted that from its relatively modest beginnings it would transform into the vibrant celebration of traditional Scottish music and international folk, roots and world music that it has undoubtedly become.

As well as showcasing some of the most talented performers in Scotland and internationally, it’s underpinned by an education programme which sees thousands of local schoolchildren attending free morning performances of live music and it fosters new young talent through its Young Tradition and New Voices concerts and an open stage competition.

Artistic director Donald Shaw suggests that for some parts of the world “music is the best hope of bringing people together,” and that’s no empty statement — this year acts are as international as they come, from Van Morrison to Congo’s Konono No 1.