I'M just back from Glasgow, where once again the entire city is awash with singers and musicians from all over the world, to join in the fun at the annual Celtic Connections Festival. It's three weeks of concerts, sessions and exhibitions with more than a little to appeal to everyone's tastes. My pal Steve Tilston and I were opening for Fairport Convention, who sounded in great form. It was the first night of their 50th anniversary tour, which will bring them to Gateshead's Sage on March 1 and to Whitby Pavillion on March 3.

As you can imagine, they're delving deep into half a century's repertoire of songs and tunes on this tour, and celebrating the national institution that they've become. I hear that their guru and ex-member Richard Thompson will be rejoining them at their Cropredy Festival this summer too.

Meanwhile, on another Scottish note, Tich Frier will be making his annual visit to the Cutty Wren at Redcar Bowling Club next Tuesday, for their Burns night celebrations. Tonight, local lad Jim MacFarland is special guest at The Duke of Wellington in Wolverston along with the Wilson family and the rest of the residents.

For me, the week ahead sees me back with the Pitmen Poets, as we spread the good word at concerts in Kent, Sussex, Dorset, Devon and South Wales. Wish us luck!