Scottish music greats, the composer of the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack and homegrown classical star Nicola Benedetti are just some of the big names who'll be appearing at next year's Celtic Connections festival.

The winter bash turns 21 next January, and a host of top stars from across trad, folk, rock and world music are signing up to appear in Glasgow from January 16 to February 2.

Next year's event will also see the festival's biggest ever concerts, with two gigs set to be staged at the Hydro.

It kicks off on Thursday January 16 with an opening show headlined by Nicola Benedetti and friends, which will include Aly Bain, Julie Fowlis and a host of others.

Top acts appearing over the 18-days include Del Amitri, who will play their first gig in over a decade at the Hydro on January 24; Edinburgh rockers Mogwai, at the Royal Concert Hall on January 28; world music star Manu Dibango, on January 26 at the Old Fruitmarket; and singer Mary Chapin Carpenter, who'll be accompanied by the Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Concert Hall on January 24.

One theme at the event will be the music of the Commonwealth, tying in to next year's Commonwealth Games.

Festival director Donald Shaw believes the Commonwealth theme offers up many musical possibilities.

"There's going to be a big international Burns night at the Hydro, with artists from South Africa and India," he says.

"We're also showing the influence Scottish music has had on the Commonwealth, while the other big Commonwealth concert is having AR Rahman perform at the Concert Hall [on January 30]. He wrote the music for Slumdog Millionaire and the Lord of the Rings musical.

"He's only ever done two or three shows at places like the Hollywood Bowl, so this is a coup for Scotland."

Other big names appearing include Irish rockabilly/jazz star Imelda May, at the Old Fruitmarket on January 30, and US singing legend Bobby Womack, at the Royal Concert Hall on January 27.

While the Commonwealth Games will provide one theme for to the event, another will be provided by the countdown to the independence referendum. The festival will acknowledge the ongoing debate with a series of special talks.

Other acts confirmed include Capercaillie, Suzanne Vega, Tim Finn from Crowded House, and Rachel Sermanni.