It’s a key part of Celtic Connections – and the Danny Kyle Open Stage will return again at this year’s winter festival.

The format of the event is simple, and is named in honour of folk great Danny, who always championed fresh and new talent.

Each night during the festival, five or six acts will perform a free show at the Royal Concert Hall’s Exhibition Hall.

At the end of the event judges will decide on six winners, who will then play a celebratory show on the last night of the festival, as well as earn a support slot at the following year’s Celtic Connections.

The Evening Times is the Open Stage's media partner.

Last year’s winners show the impact winning a Danny can have.

Glasgow singer-songwriter Charly Houston was over the moon to nab one, and it helped give her the confidence to go full time with music.

“I took a dip in faith for a few years and worked in admin, but my heart is with playing music and I couldn't be more sure I’m doing the right thing,” she says.

“I've been in the studio working hard over the summer and have put together an EP called Canada, which is out now.”

Charly will support Irish rock artist Pierce Turner at the Tron Theatre on Friday, and has a personal reason for relishing her Celtic show.

“It is something I have really loved going to since I was a wee girl and it is just a bit mad that I'll be a part of it this year,” she reflects.

“I keep mentioning it at gigs I'm playing and the audience members usually say lots of ooooohs and aaaaaahs which makes me chuckle.”

While Charly took a Danny after years of playing music, folk band Quick won one after playing their first gig together.

The trio - Willem McKie on vocals, Emily Barr on mandolin and Alex Hynes on guitar – are now eager to return to the festival, where they will open for Chicago bluegrass band Special Consensus on January 30.

“We are very excited to bring new material, showing everyone what we’ve been working hard on for the past year,” says Alex.

“The Danny Kyle stage not only gave us our first experience of performing together but it has given us different shows outside Glasgow. We’ve played Liverpool Sound City as well as Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival near Inverness.”

Another act taken aback by scooping a Danny were Ross Miller and Charlie Stewart, a pipes and fiddle duo studying at the Royal Conservatoire. Since their success they’ve continued to gig, while an EP is planned for later this year.

The only problem the pair will face this year is having too many shows to perform in.

“We were delighted as we hadn’t expected anything considering there was so many acts performing over the festival and we were just playing together to have a bit of fun,” says Ross.

“It will be great to return to the festival this year and we can’t wait to support Leveret (at the Piping Centre on Saturday). Charlie will also be appearing with another band he plays in, Dosca, and is through to the final of the of the Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and I’m appearing with the Inveraray and District Pipe Band so it’ll be a busy few weeks!”

It isn’t just Scottish talent, either.

Bradford songstress Bella Gaffney took one of the prizes last year, and used it as a springboard.

“I just felt really privileged and proud,” she says.

“I've been playing lots of gigs since then, and working hard with my band Bric-a-Brac. It's been a busy year because after the Danny I won a CalMac culture award at King Tut's and played at HebCelt and Bute Fest.”

Arguably the busiest of the lot, however, might be Bella and the Bear. They’ve released an EP, been regulars around Scotland’s festivals and even worked with a theatre group in Liverpool.

The duo – Lauren Gilmour and Stuart Ramage – left it to the last minute to win a Danny last year, though.

“We played as part of the final DK showcase on the Saturday night and by the time we’d driven home from town, we got a phone call inviting us back the next day,” laughs Lauren.

“There’s a level of credibility that comes with the award, which is testament to the reputation the Danny Kyle stage has built over the years. We’re so grateful to the platform it’s given us – we’ve urged a few friends of ours to go for it this year!”

Danny Kyle Open Stage, January 20-Feburary 5, Royal Concert Hall, free.

Jonathan Geddes