Latest news with #HebCelt
BBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
HebCelt hails 'most successful' year as thousands flock to Lewis
Organisers of the HebCelt music festival have hailed its "most successful year ever" after more than 18,500 fans made their way to Stornoway last event first began 28 years ago and doubles the population of the Lewis town. Scottish pop icon Lulu headlined this year, with other favourites including Skerryvore, Tide Lines, Nina Nesbitt and Eddi year's festival also had a heavy focus on female talent, with 70% of the billing made up by female artists, including locals Josie Duncan and Isla Scott. Iain Macphail, who chairs the festival, said: "Stornoway and the entire Isle of Lewis can be rightfully proud of what the festival family has achieved together."It's been the most successful festival in our history and is a testament to all those who have worked, volunteered and supported us in building what is essentially a pop-up village to deliver a best in class, internationally-renowned event."Last year, the festival was estimated to have generated £4.2m towards the local is now the third biggest music festival in Scotland behind TRNSMT and Belladrum, which takes place next weekend. Next year's HebCelt festival will take place between 15 and 18 July.
The Herald Scotland
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The best pictures from HebCelt as Skerryvore delight the crowds
It was a crowd already entertained with Nina Nesbitt showing her talents earlier in the day. Skerryvore are celebrating their 20th anniversary and they kicked off to huge cheers with Path to Home followed by Beasts and Lucky Ones. They also introduced guests throughout the night with Grant Cassidy, Cassie and Maggie, Elias Alexander and the Lewis Pipe Band all performing alongside them. The crowds watching Skerryvore (Image: HebCelt) Samba Sene during the festival (Image: HebCelt) Skerryvore on stage (Image: HebCelt) Skerryvore Co-Founder Daniel Gillespie said: 'What an amazing feeling to know that it's a sell out. Congratulations HebCelt, and everyone who is here tonight. You've done Stornoway proud again and we're so delighted to be a part of it.' Festival organisers believe it could be the most successful festival in its 28-year history thanks to Skerryvore, Lulu, Tide Lines, Laura Silverstone and many more. Early-bird tickets for next year's festival go on sale next week, with the event to take place between July 15 and 18. Carol Ferguson, Operations Co-Ordinator, said: 'We're over the moon that so many people have chosen to join Skerryvore's 20th anniversary party and enjoy so many other great performers across our sold out Saturday. 'We're still crunching the data, and totting up the numbers, but it looks like a very good year indeed, which is testament to the hard work of the team, our funders, sponsors and all the artists who have made this such an amazing success.' Chair Iain Macphail said: 'That the whole HebCelt family can come together like this and put on a world class event on this scale is simply amazing, and we're grateful to every single music fan, performer, volunteer, contractor and business for making it happen.' Ahead of Skerrymore, Nina Nesbitt also delivered a scorching performance for the final night in Stornoway amid baking temperatures. The 'I'm Coming Home' star, who wrote that song about heading back to Scotland, told fans: 'We are so excited to be here in Stornoway for the first time. 'I recently released a new album called Mountain Music. It feels very fitting to be here because it's definitely the kind of imagery to go alongside the album. Stornoway is very much on brand." Nina Nesbitt was a big success at HebCelt (Image: HebCelt) Fans enjoying themselves at the festival (Image: HebCelt) Crowds enjoying the festival (Image: HebCelt) Crowds enjoying the festival (Image: HebCelt) The 'Best You Had' singer was picture perfect throughout as she performed tracks from her latest album including Pages, Anger and I'm Coming Home and also debuted a cover of Mazzy Star's Fade Into You for her visit. Astro Bloc, Samba Sene and Iona Mairead also performed throughout the day along with Gaelic children's TV legend Donnie Dòtaman who led an army of homemade hat wearers in song as he took to the Lewis Wind Power Island Stage. HebCelt Artist Programmer Michelle Shields said: 'This has been one of the most exciting, diverse and popular line-ups we have ever had and we're ecstatic that so many great performers were able to join us. 'From legends like Lulu and Skerryvore, to Tide Lines, Beluga Lagoon, Donnie Dòtaman and others, we couldn't be happier with the reaction they have had. It's been a massive success and their music has been out of this world. 'We just can't wait to do it again next year.'
The National
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Island shop window pays tribute to Scottish legend ahead of HebCelt
HebCelt is gearing up for Scots pop legend Lulu as the superstar sweeps into the Outer Hebrides to perform her headline show in Stornoway tonight. Lulu-fever has gripped the island, including at the famous Harris Tweed Hebrides shop who have turned their shop window into a tribute to the fashion icon. The Lennoxtown-born sensation — who revealed this will be one of her last live shows — heads a line-up including Josie Duncan, Trail West, The Tumbling Souls, LUSA and newcomers Isla Scott and Laura Silverstone. READ MORE: I'm performing at the Fringe but fear I won't be allowed to re-enter the US Organisers predict ticket sales have already surpassed last year's total when more than 17,800 people attended. Festival Operations co-ordinator Carol Ferguson said: 'Lulu is really giving us something to shout about - the whole island is buzzing for her appearance with people queuing up for tickets all day long. She has incredible pulling power.' Scots-singer Eddi Reader, TikTok sensation NATI. Cala and Tide Lines opened the show last night. Six-piece trad band TRIP, Sara Helfrich and Lewis locals Tosh & Friends also performed, as did Madison Violet, who also played to fans at a festival fringe show in Breasclete the previous night too. Michelle Shields, artist programmer said: 'It's been an absolutely dream start for the festival already with Tide Lines showing just why they have such a legion of fans, an amazing set from the flawless Eddi Reader and wow - Nati was amazing. 'Even the weather put on its party hat bathing us in sunshine before offering a gentle wee Hebridean breeze and a late shower or two to keep fans cool on site. It's all shaping up to be one of the best and most successful festivals yet and Lulu will be sensational." Friday's line up looks to be dominated with love for Lulu as the Shout star prepares to make her swansong appearance in the Hebrides as part of her farewell tour. Astro Bloc, Mountain Music star Nina Nesbitt and Skerryvore will conclude the celebrations on Saturday night.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In pictures: Western Isles' HebCelt music festival
The Hebridean Music Festival - HebCelt - has opened in Stornoway on 17,000 music fans are expected to attend over the weekend, with headline acts performing in the event's big top pop icon Lulu, singer-songwriter Eddi Reader and Highlands folk pop band Tide Lines are has also been a special appearance by Gaelic children's TV legend Donnie Dòtaman.
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Female-led HebCelt festival begins on Lewis
Thousands of festival-goers are in Stornoway for this year's HebCelt music festival which has a line-up of 70% female icon Lulu is appearing alongside other performers like Nina Nesbitt, Josie Duncan, Isla Scott and Eddi Reader. Organisers said the event had doubled the population of the Western Isles town, with more than 17,000 fans attending Lews Castle Green. There has been criticism in recent years of male domination of the music industry and some festival line-ups. A spokesperson for HebCelt said 200 volunteers were involved in running the festival with confirmed visitors from South Korea, China, USA and Australia. Organisers said 70% of the music acts were female-led or featured female line-up also includes bands like Tide Lines, Skerryvore and Trail West. HebCelt, which was first held in 1996, is expected to generate money for the local economy, with hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites reportedly event is supported by organisations including Creative Scotland, Western Isles Council, NHS Western Isles, Lewis Wind Power and SSEN. NHS Western Isles has launched a summer safety campaign, urging festival-goers to drink in moderation. Colum Durkan, director of public health for NHS Western Isles, said: "One of the main concerns is dehydration. "The temperatures are higher and we've had a lot of good weather recently."If people are drinking alcohol, rather than soft drinks or water, they are at greater risk."HebCelt runs until Saturday night.
