Reel treat for Celtic music fans

Traditional music enthusiasts will petition MSPs

One of the largest traditional music festivals in the world is set to offer a "reel treat" to enthusiasts when it gets under way in Glasgow.

The first Celtic Connections event grew out of a gap in the city's winter calender eight years ago.

But now it has developed into an 18-day event attracting writers, singers and musicians from all over the world.

And enthusiasts calling for more support for Scottish culture are set to take their case direct to the parliament as the curtain goes up on this year's festival.

Colin Hynd helped launch the festival

The 2001 event is set to open with a suitably eclectic mix on Wednesday night.

The first concert of this year's festival will be a new piece written by accordionist Phil Cunningham, featuring percussion from Evelyn Glennie, a folk rock group and accompaniment from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

There has also been a late addition to Thursday's programme, which will include an appearance by the writer Frank McCourt accompanied by a trio of Irish musicians.

Dozens of concerts will take place in the following days at a variety of venues, including the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow Barrowlands and the Arches.

More support

It was box office clerk Colin Hynd who first came up with the idea of the festival to liven up a dull Glasgow winter.

Now he is director of Celtic Connections, which has grown to become one of the largest traditional music programmes in the world.

Enthusiasts are delighted that the event has taken off, but want to see more support for local talent all year round.

On Wednesday campaigners took a petition to the Scottish Parliament calling on it to provide more support and funding for traditional culture on a grassroots level.