King Creosote, Calexico, Seth Lakeman and C Duncan are among the acts confirmed for 2017’s Celtic Connections, taking place in Glasgow from January 19 to February 6 next year when more than 2,000 musicians will take part in 300 events at venues around Glasgow.

Laura Marling will open the two-week event on January 19th, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and special guests, with orchestration written by Kate St. John. One of the main themes of this year’s festival is Inspirational women of music.

However, there is a noticeable focus on home-grown talent in the line-up, due in part, it transpires, to Brexit. Artistic director Donald Shaw, talking to The Herald, said that the plummeting pound had forced the organisers to abandon plans to bring several US acts across to perform. This included a tribute to Dolly Parton.

However, Olivia Newton-John, Grammy-nominated Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Amy Sky will perform together, playing music from their collaborative album ‘Liv On’, at the Royal Concert Hall on January 24.

There’s also a Where You’re Meant To Be ceilidh at the Fruitmarket on the 22nd, celebrating Aidan Moffat’s documentary on the Scottish folk scene.

Karine Polwart’s Wind Resistance will be performed at the Tron, re-emerged singer-songwriter Shirley Collins plays the City Halls on February 4, and Shooglenifty will play ‘A Night For Angus’, a tribute to fiddle player Angus R Grant, who passed away recently.

Other acts in a diverse lineup include Billy Bragg, Man of Moon, Fairport Convention, Anna Meredith and Mexrissey.

More at www.celticconnections.com