FLAMENCO guitarist Vincente Amigo brought some Latin heat to a freezing Glasgow as he launched Celtic Connections.

The city's annual folk, roots and traditional music festival is now under way, with some of the biggest names playing in Glasgow from now until February 3.

Vincente will be perform his new album, Tierra, at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall tonight.

And he will be joined by some Celtic Connections regulars, including Michael McGoldrick, Ewan Vernal, Donald Shaw and John McCusker.

Celebrating its 20th year, the festival promises to showcase some of the highlights of the past two decades in Celtic music.

Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: "Celtic Connections has established itself as one of the leading lights in Scotland's cultural calendar.

"It celebrates its 20th anniversary doing what it does best, bringing artists and audiences from all over the world to Glasgow to enjoy unique performances and collaborations that will live long in the memory."

Performers this year include Sheena Wellington, Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis, Capercaillie, Martha Wainwright and Cara Dillon.

Shows will take place across the city, from the Royal Concert Hall to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and – for the first time – Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

Donald Shaw, the festival's artistic director, added: "We've got a superb line-up of musicians to help us celebrate the occasion.

"Many artists performing over the next 18 days have been involved in the festival for years, but there is also an array of fresh new talent.

"Every year we explore the connections between Celtic music and other musical genres, as well as with cultures across the globe.

"This year the pro- gramme is the most diverse yet.

"As always, we're delighted to be bringing some astounding world music acts to Glasgow, such as Salif Keita and also three fantastic artists from Mali's different musical cultures for the Sahara Soul Project."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk