When the Celtic Connections festival began in 1994 few would have predicted that from its relatively modest beginnings it would transform into the vibrant celebration of traditional Scottish music and international folk, roots and world music that it has undoubtedly become.

As well as showcasing some of the most talented performers in Scotland and internationally, it’s underpinned by an education programme which sees thousands of local schoolchildren attending free morning performances of live music and it fosters new young talent through its Young Tradition and New Voices concerts and an open stage competition.

Artistic director Donald Shaw suggests that for some parts of the world “music is the best hope of bringing people together,” and that’s no empty statement — this year acts are as international as they come, from Van Morrison to Congo’s Konono No 1.

Another stand-out world music act is Canzionere Grecanico Salentino, the band from the “heel” of Italy, who blend music, song and dance to deliver the unique cultural tradition of the region’s mixed history on January 23.

The spirit of bringing different musical strands together will be intriguingly realised on January 16 in Horizons which promotes music from all over the British Isles in a concert featuring Karine Polwart (Scotland), Kate Rusby (England, pictured), Damien O’Kane (Northern Ireland), the Irish Republic’s Declan O’Rourke and Welsh balladeer Al Lewis, who’ll be playing along with Alva Leigh.

Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle on January 16 and 17 is a multimedia performance featuring a fiddle bought by Sweeney, whose maker turned out to have died in the first world war.

Also on the bill are Sweeney’s Bellowhead bandmates Paul Sartin, Rob Habron and storyteller Hugh Lipton.

Another stand-out is a concert of Ewan MacColl’s music. Curated by his sons Calum and Neil, Blood and Roses on January 25 includes performances by Kate St John, Dick Gaughan, Martin and Eliza Carthy and Karine Polwart.

Craig Armstrong is a local Shettleston boy who now writes music for Baz Luhrman’s films, winning many awards.

He’s worked with U2, Madonna, Texas, Tina Turner et al and he’s still based in Glasgow. He’ll be performing his latest album It’s Nearly Tomorrow with the Scottish Opera orchestra and guests on January 27.

Political singer Arthur Johnstone is featuring guests from his original band the Laggan, the Stars Band, Tommy Sands, actor David Hayman and many others, to celebrate his enduring contribution to working people’s struggles on January 3. Johnson deserves the widest recognition and the the fact that the concert is sold out testifies to his enduring popularity.

Also sold out is the return to their 1992 partnership on January 27 by Frances Black and Kieran Goss, although a second night has been added on the 26th.

2015 looks like it’s shaping up to be another success story for Celtic Connections.

For listings and tickets, visit celticconnections.com.