For me, it doesn't feel like any year has actually got going until Celtic Connections begins. This year it's on between the 18th Jan and the 4th Feb, and it once again has a varied, vibrant, and eclectic line-up to suit most musical tastes.
The festival is a joyous celebration of live music which, after recent years, seems more precious and important than ever. To get involved further you can become a Celtic Rover which supports Celtic Connections and its Education and Outreach Programmes.
With so much going on, as always there are too many bands and artists to mention them all here, but go to Celtic Connections to find out who is appearing, where and when, and how to book, and you can receive all the up-to-date news by following the festival on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
In case you’re not sure where to begin, we have put together our selection of SWH!’s 10 Highlights from this year’s programme, with videos from one of the acts involved. Click on the highlighted title to learn more about, and buy tickets for, each one.