IT SEEMS like the January blues are affecting almost everyone I know, with most of my friends and colleagues detoxing this month and being thoroughly depressed about the weather.

I met a girlfriend for lunch the other day and gasped when she walked into the restaurant sporting an 80s frizzbomb hairdo complete with jogging bottoms tucked into her wellington boots and zero makeup.

When I asked my normally glamorous friend if she was feeling OK she just shrugged her shoulders and told me she'd given up trying to straighten her hair or dress nicely in this weather as it was pointless and besides it's January and nothing good ever happens at this time of year.

Well, let me tell you, something wonderful does happen in Glasgow at this time of year, and it all starts today in the city - yes I am, of course, talking about Celtic Connections 2014.

The line-up for this year's winter music festival is mouth watering with the likes of Eddi Reader, Nicola Benedetti, Hue & Cry, Little Fire, Del Amitri, Capercaillie and of course Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham all performing on our doorsteps - so who cares about the wind and rain or if you over indulged on your Christmas dinner?

There is also the infamous after-hours Festival Club where the fun and games really begin.

I was there last year after panto at the Pavilion had finished to watch the lovely Mànran boys perform and apparently, after one too many refreshments, decided to exit the venue at 3am by sliding down the bannister.

Just to paint a picture, there were about 50 steps on these stairs, so it was a long way down and it's said that the doorman waiting at the bottom saw his entire life flash before him as this size 18 woman came speeding towards him Eddie the Eagle style.

I'll never be able to thank that selfless soul for breaking my fall although I think he may have suffered a few breaks.

Alas, he was never seen upright again.

Celtic Connections celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and I urge you to get on to the website and take a look at what's on.

It is the UK premier's celebration of Celtic Music and, with something for everyone, there is no excuse not to get along to see the great acts performing in the city.

n The festival runs until February 2 and you can log on to www.celticconnections.com