THE winners of this year's Danny Kyle Open Stage were announced as Celtic Connections drew to a close last night.

The event, of which the Evening Times is media partner, rewards the best emerging acts who perform during the festival, and is named after Scottish folk great Danny, who championed fresh talent.

Judges picked the six winners, who then performed at a special concert at the Royal Concert Hall, and they'll be invited back for support slots at next year's festival.

The six acts were Glasgow world folk trio Granny Green, Greenock singer-songwriter Shelagh McKay Jones, Glasgow three-piece Talisk, Orkney duo Gnoss, Irish quartet FourWinds and Newcastle instrumental outfit Pons Aelius.

Liz Clark, Producer of the Danny Kyle Open Stage, said: "Once again we have seen an outstanding level of talent at the Danny Kyle Open Stage.

"Year on year the up and coming artists blow me away with their ability and enthusiasm and this year was no exception.

"It was fantastic to see our six winners from last year take to the Celtic Connections stages and I have no doubt that this year's six winners will be firm favourites at Celtic Connections 2016."

Celtic Connections as a whole enjoyed another successful year, with ticket sales topping £1.1million.