Enduring the short, dark days of late December in Scotland deserves reward – deserves celebration, in fact – and the best way to celebrate any season in this country is with live music. In dark times, more than ever, we need this; coming together to listen and share stories, to dance, to sing, is the most human of activities. Our deep desire for communal experience is undoubtedly what’s made Celtic Connections an annual highlight of the musical calendar, worldwide, for the last three decades.

With the covid-19 pandemic causing immense disruption over the last two years it’s a joy and a comfort to see the festival returning to full capacity in 2023 for its 30th edition. The disappointment of last year’s late cancellations and the limitations on international guests remain in the past now, with the festival once again offering a vast array of world class talent for audiences of all persuasions. Here is just a selection of gems plucked from within the dazzling 2023 line-up, which may be particularly useful for anyone still wrestling with the paradox of choice.

For Americana fans:

Occasionally the “Celtic connection” inferred by an artist’s inclusion in the festival can seem a little tenuous but for country songstress Emily Scott Robinson, it’s abundantly clear; her latest release, Built On Bones is a collection of hauntingly beautiful songs written for the witches of Macbeth. The setting, tone and spirit of Celtic ancestry will be conjured in her performance, accompanied by collaborators Alisa Amador and Violet Bell.

It’s hard to tell which is more endearing: William Prince‘s effortless, comforting baritone or his delicate weaving of words. In any case, when both combine over his steady but sympathetic guitar playing the result is a total envelopment within the moment.

The rare opportunity to witness the legendary, prodigious talent of Nickel Creek cannot be passed up. Band members Chris Thile, Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins – collectively and in various solo and collaborative endeavours – have been hugely influential on generations of musicians and music fans alike since the turn of the century, and their appearance at this year’s festival will undoubtedly ignite further adoration and inspiration well beyond the reach of their “neo-bluegrass” genre labelling.

For Blues fans:

Amythyst Kiah has risen through the ranks at Celtic Connections to find herself not only headlining her own show but making a guest appearance at the fabled Transatlantic Sessions. Armed with a powerful set of songs and the robust voice made to deliver them, her performances leave an indelible mark on audiences wherever she plays.

It would be rude to mention Fantastic Negrito without at least referencing the fact that his last three albums each won the GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Blues Album in their respective release years, but his talent and musical life force cannot really be reflected in any award or accolade. His live performance is part-sermon, part-therapy, part-rave, part-rock’n’roll exorcism. Those who have seen, heard and felt this music, believe.

For Folk fans:

Award-winning Australian duo Charm of Finches left audiences spellbound on their first UK tour in the summer of 2022. Through evocative lyrics and syrupy blood harmonies, the pair create a magic that lingers long after they’ve stopped singing.

One of the standout performances of 2021’s virtual Celtic Connections event, Dreamers’ Circus bring their sometimes-surreal, sometimes-serene fusion of traditional folk and jazz to light up Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall stage for a triple billing with Finnish outfit Frigg and Scotland’s own Kinnaris Quintet.

If however, you only see one Scottish act at the festival (seriously, don’t limit yourself) it should be Talisk. The energy and intensity of their performance is only eclipsed by their immense talent, as anyone has seen them before can attest. For those folkies yet to be initiated: hold onto your flat caps!

For Indie fans:

A Celtic Connections favourite over the last decade or so, Aoife O’Donovan has two headline shows at the festival this year. The first night will see her interpreting the “songwriter’s choice” of Springsteen albums, Nebraska, while the following night will take in songs from her own catalogue including her latest critically acclaimed – and too-aptly titled – third album Age of Apathy.

Meanwhile Matthew and the Atlas will make their Celtic Connections debut in 2023, marking their first live appearance since wrapping up touring on 2019’s Morning Dancer. The band’s sonic evolution from indie folk, through more expansive alt-rock, soul and electro elements, bound to Matt Hegarty’s earthy vocal, brings so much atmosphere into any room they play.

For party fans:

In addition to this being the 30th anniversary of Celtic Connections, 2023 marks some milestones for some other significant musical collaborations and collectives within Scotland. The opening weekend sees the 10th edition of Roaming Roots Revue. The guest list features the return of many past favourites including Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie, the breathtaking Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan and indie rock powerhouse Field Music, all backed by one of the finest house bands in the land, Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire. The songbook is wide open this year but the sheer volume of talent present guarantees it will be another great night out.

The closing weekend is also stacked with anniversary celebrations. Scottish indie label Lost Map celebrates its 10th birthday with an afternoon-into-evening affair, encompassing multiple venues within Oran Mor, which will be lead by label founder, the incomparable Pictish Trail. A selection of upcoming and established artists will showcase throughout the event which promises to deliver value for money, both in the quality and quantity of music on offer.

The Isle of Mull’s iconic An Tobar venue will mark its 25th year with a special one-off performance featuring a who’s who of Scottish artists well-kent to its stage including Roddy Woomble, Karen Matheson, Seonaid Aitken, Duncan Chisholm and former Makar Liz Lochhead, among many more of the finest musicians.

Finally – always finally – Transatlantic Sessions returns to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. For first-timers or twentieth-timers, this is the must-see of festival staples. With a house band comprising some of the most experienced and well honed players in the trad and folk scenes from either side of the water, and guests covering the full spectrum of roots music, this two-night event is the epitome of “Celtic Connections”, in theory and in practice. If you want to understand why a festival in Glasgow, in the middle of winter, has become a 30-year international musical phenomenon, the clues are all here.

Advanced booking is always recommended for shows during the festival. For more information and ticketing visit the Celtic Connections website.