THE launch last week of the programme for next year’s Celtic Connections festival provided the usual buzz of excitement.

Now in its 25th year, the event has gone from humble beginnings to become the world’s largest winter music festival. Given its prominence in the calendar these days it is easy to forget that when it began in 1994 there were doubters.

Critics spoke of the “sheer audacity” of staging a festival just a couple of weeks after Hogmanay when money is tight and the nights so dark most people could be expected to be couried in round their fires and not out revelling in the Glasgow streets.

How wrong they were.

The festival has become one of the highlights of the year, neatly filling the post-festive season void and bridging the oft-miserable dark, wet and windy prelude to the lighter nights and spring.

Donald Shaw, the festival’s artistic director, said: “Since the inception of Celtic Connections in 1994 the Scottish music scene has developed and diversified hugely.

“When the festival began there was still significant compartmentalisation of genres, which although has its place at times, has become less prevalent over the years.

“The influence and inspiration that the traditional music scene has had across the whole musical landscape in Scotland and worldwide has helped to make the journey of Celtic Connections all the more adventurous and exciting.

“As an internationally renowned festival we continually strive for better and the 25th edition is no exception. Audiences will be treated to performances from some of the best artists from across the world and an array of unique collaborations and an eclectic mix of world music.”

As would be expected of an anniversary year, next year’s programme is one of the best yet with must-see performances scattered across the three weeks.

The festival begins on January 18 with a special 25th anniversary concert featuring among others Sharon Shannon, Saltfishforty, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton, Eddie Reader, Michael McGoldrick and Kris Drever as well as a plethora of surprise guests.

Other highlights include a performance of Martyn Bennett’s Bothy culture album by the Grit Orchestra at the SSE Hydro on January 27. Conducted by Greg Lawson, the orchestra will feature a galaxy of stars from the Scottish folk scene and include a performance from Skye stunt cyclist Danny MacAskill whose Youtube hit The Ridge, in which he scales the Skye Cuillin on his bike, features Bennett’s Blackbird as a backing track.

Elsewhere, Chicago’s Liz Carroll makes an all-too rare appearance on these shores. One of the world’s most distinctive fiddlers and composers, her interpretation of traditional Irish folk tunes is inspired by a lifetime of travel and her roots in the midwestern city’s Irish community. She plays the Concert Hall on January 23.

The return of one of Scotland’s original trailblazing acts, Croft No 5, is sure to draw a huge crowd to St Lukes on January 20.

Formed at the turn of the millennium, their fusion of traditional and modern styles set the template for many of today’s young acts.

A performance of John Martyn’s Solid Air at the Hug and Pint on January 23, is another not to be missed. Sam West will be interpreting the album from start to finish on guitar and vocals with some special guests also promised. If Bwani Junction’s similar project with Paul Simon’s Graceland is anything to go by then fans of the album new and old will be delighted.

For more info go to www.celticconnections.com