Hebridean Celtic Festival

The Hebridean Celtic Festival is an international musical and cultural celebration.  Based in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides, it is held annually and is fast approaching its 10th year.

From small beginnings, attracting around 1500 people in 1996, last year’s event saw over 14,000 festival-goers enjoying the four-day event and there are a number of reasons for its increasing popularity:

The Music

Each of the four main nights have their own musical theme, from Gaelic and Family to Rock and Party.  Whatever your tastes, there is something for everyone.  Festival-goers can enjoy music of the highest quality in their favoured style; or they can open themselves to whole new experiences and sample all the festival has to offer.

The Setting

The festival is mainly held in a huge marquee in the beautiful grounds of Lews Castle.  But there is more to the area - Stornoway and the rest of the islands promise spectacular views and scenery.  There are also a huge number of activities available from surfing and sailing to hill walking and sites of historical interest.

The Community

The people give the festival great support and our visitors a friendly welcome.  The festival also rolls out a series of community workshops and events that help ensure our culture continues to thrive.  It is a family-friendly event and this is reflected in preferential ticket treatment. 

The importance placed on the event by the local artistic community is clearly outlined by Ian Stephen, renowned local poet, writer and artist.

“I've seen the power of the Festival involve a greater and greater number of local people as well as attracting more visitors.  For me, it is the single most important cultural development which has taken place in the Outer Hebrides, in my lifetime.”

The Scottish Arts Council has been greatly supportive of the festival. Carolyn Paterson, Music Officer, said: "The Hebridean Celtic Festival has set a very high standard in delivering what is an excellent musical experience. We are very pleased to support such a top attraction which continues to grow."

Performers at this year’s festival included:   

• Saw Doctors
• Capercaillie
• Kíla
• Session A9
• Instinkt
• Maggie MacInnes
• Christine Primrose and Brian ÓhEadhra
• Anna Massie Band
• Peatbog Faeries - plus many more local and visiting performers who will be taking part in the fringe programme.

Tennents Announce Long Term Support For Festival

Leading UK brewer, Tennent Caledonian, has announced a three-year commitment of support for the Hebridean Celtic Festival.  The Festival has been supported by Tennents on a yearly basis since 2001.

Following on from another record breaking performance from the event this year, the company has committed itself to supporting the festival for a longer term period due to the success of the partnership.

Managing Director Mike Lees said: "We are very pleased to be cementing our relationship with the festival. In addition to providing a great entertainment and cultural experience, our involvement with the Hebridean Celtic Music Festival highlights our commitment to investing in activity which supports our customers in the area."

Festival Director, Caroline MacLennan, said: 'This is excellent news for the festival and the Western Isles. The track record of Tennents in supporting music is outstanding. For the company to show its belief in the quality of the Hebridean Celtic Festival in this way is a great boost.'

This year's festival broke all of its previous records for ticket sales, attendances and revenue. It is now hailed as one of the key festivals on the European calendar with visitors from all over the world and attracts over £1.5 million pounds into the local economy during its four-day run.

For more information have a look at the Hebridean Celtic Festival website or email info@hebceltfest.com.

Did you know? The Hebridean Celtic Festival is Supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council.