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Mark Radcliffe heads to Glasgow's famous winter festival, Celtic Connections, to introduce performances by three acts.

In front of an audience at the 麻豆官网首页入口's Pacific Quay studios, we're treated to performances by Eddi Reader, Villagers and Elephant Sessions.

Glasgow native Eddi Reader is one of Scotland's most treasured voices. Since fronting Fairground Attraction in the late 1980s, Eddi has turned her talents to traditional folk, the songs of Robert Burns and a rich vein of contemporary songs. She'll be backed by musicians John Douglas (Trash Can Sinatras), Alan Kelly and Ian Carr. Eddi is gearing up for tours of Ireland and the UK in March and April respectively.

Villagers is the musical project of Dublin songwriter Conor O'Brien. Conor recently released Villagers' sixth album, That Golden Time, as well as a new book of lyrics and art called Passing A Message. Conor has won two Ivor Novello Awards and the Choice Music Award, and has been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize twice.

Elephant Sessions hail from the highlands and islands of Scotland. Their high-energy folk dance music represents a key element of the modern Scottish scene. The band combine mandolin, fiddle, bass and drums to create irresistible instrumentals, which have earned them two MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

Celtic Connections is a shining example of both an urban festival and a winter festival. Founded in 1994, it now boasts 300 events in 25 venues around Glasgow. This year's festival runs from 16th January to 2nd February.