The 40th anniversary of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders' work-in is to be celebrated in a special concert at this year's Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow.

The work-in, which began in 1971, inspired artists and politicians as much as trades unionists, with support from John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as Scottish figures such as Billy Connolly.

As part of the annual roots, traditional and trans-Atlantic music festival, a UCS Work-in 40th anniversary concert will take place on February 5, with musical direction by Rab Noakes and Hilary Brooks.

Mr Noakes said: "Last October a number of musical and theatrical performers came together at a night celebrating the trade unionists who developed and sustained the work-in.

"This year we hope to continue that by celebrating the focus that the UCS work-in contributed, and continues to contribute to the civil and social conscientiousness of musicians, poets and artists."

The line-up for the concert at the Fruitmarket venue is being finalised, but will feature a new commission for traditional band, brass, saxophone and cello, Work-in at UCS – a celebration suite, composed by Eddie McGuire of the Whistlebinkies.

Mr McGuire wrote a piece for saxophones in 1971, that he presented to Jimmy Reid.

He said: "The spirit of resistance and dignity demonstrated by the workers in the yards inspired me at the time.

"I was really honoured, 40 years on, to be asked by those veterans of the struggle to compose for them once more. I am inspired again – this time to rekindle that spirit so needed again today.

"We are keeping the links strong, with Maya Burman-Roy again playing the opening cello. Maya is the cello teacher to Jimmy Reid's granddaughter."

There will also be appearances by Dave Anderson, Jimmie Macgregor, Arthur Johnstone and Alastair MacDonald, David Hayman and poet Tom Leonard.

Donald Shaw, director of the festival, said at the launch of this year's event that, with the prominence of music in the revolutions of the Arab Spring in the Middle East, it seemed apt to introduce a more political edge to the festival, which runs from January 19 to February 5.

The World Turned Upside Down event will feature music from Justin Currie, Karine Polwart and Palestine's Kamilya Jubran, there will be an extensive Woody Guthrie celebration, and a new songwriting competition, in memory of Alistair Hulett, for Songs for Social Justice.

This the 19th year of Celtic Connections, and the sixth year sponsored by ScottishPower.

Celtic Connections 2012 will host around 2100 artists in 300 events in 20 venues over 18 days in Glasgow.