This episode sees Mary Ann Kennedy chatting to special guests and introducing performances from bands from all over the UK and Ireland. The Henry Girls reveal why they are so popular with audiences here and across Europe, and virtuoso uillean piper Calum Stewart performs with a lively band and even livelier step dancer Sophie Stephenson. Young Islay singer Mairi MacGillivray and her band perform a set of Gaelic songs, including some from her native island and folk supergroup The Alt take to the stage.

This programme reflects the diversity of the festival with appearances by award-winning composers and performers Marit & Rona, whose innvovative music ensures that they are in great demand. Making their second Seirm Celtic Connections appearance are the exciting Kinnaris Quintet, who combine Scottish and Irish folk music with bluegrass, classical and Appalachian influences and who have won a large following and awards in just five years. As their name suggests The Yellow House All-Star Band is full of musical stars. Fronted by acclaimed singer Ainslie Hammill, the band also features Ciarán Ryan, Jack Badcock, Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer, all of whom are formidable musicians and singers and represent the best of the contemporary folk scene.