Celtic Connections 2016 lineup announced

• Murray Robertson
• 20 October 2015

Lau

Performers include Rickie Lee Jones, The Chieftains, Robert Plant and Lucinda Williams

The lineup for this year's Celtic Connections has been announced. From Thu 14–Sun 31 Jan, Glasgow will play host to 2,500 musicians from across the globe for the annual celebration of Scottish and world folk music.

Artists performing across the 26 stages include Rickie Lee Jones, The Chieftains, Lau, The Unthanks, Béla Fleck, Moving Hearts, Robert Plant, Lucinda Williams, Admiral Fallow, Toumani Diabaté, Karine Polwart, Boys of the Lough, and Larry Carlton.

The 2016 programme features a number of running themes including 'Family Ties', exploring how music can bring familial folk together; 'New Americana', exploring country, bluegrass and folk; and 'The Auld Alliance', examining the long-standing relationship between Scotland and France.

With the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland celebrating 50 years, its musical director Siobhan Miller will host the festival's opening concert. And there'll be a celebration of Aly Bain's 70th birthday as he performs with Phil Cunningham.

Celtic Connections is on Thu 14–Sun 31 Jan and tickets are available now.