Celtic Connections launches, featuring Mogwai, Aidan Moffat, Olive Grove, Bobby Womack and more

This year's Celtic Connections festival kicks off on Thursday 16 January, beginning an 18-day programme of gigs and concerts throughout Glasgow, with a focus on traditional, contemporary and innovative folk music from Scotland and around the world. This year's bill offers a greater diversity than ever before, with an expanded lineup of contemporary music that sees folk legends of the past playing side by side with some of Scotland's most exciting emerging and established artists.

The Skinny has picked out a few highlights for you, including Mogwai and RM Hubbert at the Royal Concert Hall (28 Jan). SAY Award winner Hubbert also offers support for Aidan Moffat at the Mitchell Library on 21 Jan. Another highlight comes on 18 Jan, when legendary Bristolian post-punk outfit the Pop Group headline the O2 ABC, alongside The Sexual Objects.

Also playing over the course of the festival are Withered Hand (Platform, 24 Jan), and Malcolm Middleton (Platform, 25 Jan). There will also be a very special Olive Grove Records showcase, featuring The Moth and the Mirror, Woodenbox, The State Broadcasters, Jo Mango and Randolph's Leap (Òran Mór, 26 Jan). Another highlight sees legendary soul crooner Bobby Womack play the Royal Concert Hall on 27 Jan. 

The opening concert for the festival takes place on Thursday (16 Jan) at the Royal Concert Hall, featuring performances from Nicola Bendetti, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, and Joy Kills Sorrow, among others. The festival's main focus is on traditional folk music, with a 30th anniversary concert from Capercaillie (Royal Concert Hall, 18 Jan), Mary Chapin Carpenter performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (Royal Concert Hall, 24 Jan), and many other gigs featuring folk musicians from Scotland and across the world. To see the full lineup and buy tickets, visit the Celtic Connections site.