Latest news with #HebrideanCelticFestival
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
More than half of festivals funding still to be rolled out
The national roll-out of direct government funding for festivals was first announced exactly a year ago by culture secretary Angus Robertson. Read more: At the time, additional funding was promised to provide greater recognition of festivals as 'a jewel in the culture sector and national life.' However the additional funding has only been allocated to major events in Edinburgh and Glasgow so far. The Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow is among the events which have had an increase in their Scottish Government funding recently. The additional investment in festivals announced in December was part of a proposed £34 million boost for the cultural sector hailed as 'game-changing' by Mr Robertson. The Scottish Budget includes £6m set aside for festivals – up from £2m last year. The Hebridean Celtic Festival is held in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, every summer. Of this £3m was earmarked for a significant expansion of the Scottish Government's Festivals Expo Fund to allow it to be expanded across Scotland. Originally created in 2007 with a £2m billion budget, the fund has been opened to a number of events in Glasgow in recent years, including Celtic Connections, Sonica and the Glasgow Film Festival, however its budget had dropped to as little as £1.7m in recent years. The Granite Noir festival is staged in Aberdeen each year. (Image: Aberdeen Performing Arts) Mr Roberson has promised that the revamped Festivals Expo Fund would be more than doubled in value to extend its reach beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow, while government arts agency Creative Scotland has told Holyrood's culture committee that it expected an additional £3m in new Expo funding to be rolled out this year. However the government has only confirmed a £1.1m increase for the Expo Fund to date, to boost support for event in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Further additional funding has been confirmed for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, who have each secured £300,000 in recent months. The currently £2.3m shortfall has emerged a year on from the controversial shutdown of a Scottish Government 'open fund' for artists after more than £10m worth of arts spending commitments were put on hold or cancelled. The government eventually released £8.4m, including £3m which allowed the open fund run by Creative Scotland to return, following an angry backlash across the cultural sector and on-stage protests from performers as Edinburgh's festivals drew to a close. The spending squeeze had emerged weeks after the government promised more investment in cultural events and launched a new 'strategic partnership for festivals.' Other events which have been involved in talks over potential funding include the the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, the Findhorn Bay Festival in Moray, the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway, the St Magnus International Festival, the Wigtown Book Festival and Aberdeen Performing Arts, which organises a number of festivals in the city. At the time, Mr Robertson said: 'Scotland's arts festivals are a jewel in the culture sector and national life. They provide an invaluable platform for our performers and creatives, help provide hundreds of millions of pounds to the Scottish and local economies, are a cultural shopfront to the rest of the world and much more besides.' In a recent opinion column, Mr Robertson said Edinburgh was the 'undisputed centre of the cultural world' this month thanks to its festivals. He added: 'At every stage of their planning and their delivery, Scotland's festivals are renowned for ambition, creativity and excellence at home and overseas. 'As well as their outstanding work on stage, festivals provide hundreds of millions of pounds to the Scottish and local economies, supporting a pipeline of jobs and businesses. 'Festivals, like the entirety of the culture sector, have been hit hard in recent years by a series of challenges. Recovery from the pandemic and addressing the challenges brought by Brexit have been made more difficult by increased costs and inflation, together with a challenging public funding environment. 'The 2025/26 Scottish Budget has provided an important foundation for the work of festivals, recognising the importance of stability and certainty through long term sustained multi-annual funding to support festivals' ambitions for the future. 'Increasing investment in festivals, as part of the biggest ever increase in funding for culture, underlines the value the Scottish Government places on the arts. 'Through this increased investment we want to drive up opportunities for participation in creative pursuits, support the festivals commissions and collaborations on new and exciting works, ensuring Scotland's cultural output have platforms at home and abroad.' A spokesperson for the government said: 'As a result of this year's culture funding uplift, a record number of cultural organisations are now benefitting from multi-year funding, around a third of which run a festivals. 'In total, 251 culture organisations across Scotland, from Argyll and Bute to Shetland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, and the Borders now have stable, year-on-year funding, with 141 of those receiving multi-year funding for the first time, and those previously in the portfolio receiving a significant uplift. 'The Scottish Government has so far provided £2.8 million for the Festivals Expo Fund, £300,000 for the Fringe Society, £300,000 for the Edinburgh International Book Festival's school programme, and £200,000 for Festivals Edinburgh. 'We are committed to expanding the reach of the Expo Fund across the whole of Scotland. 'The culture secretary is working with festivals across the country through the Strategic Festivals Partnership to realise this commitment in the coming months. 'Ministers are committed to delivering the remaining funding promised for festivals this financial year. Details will be announced shortly.'
The National
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Funding boost for HebCelt festival's efforts to support Gaelic culture
The Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) is expanding its support for Gaelic culture alongside Lewis Wind Power. The Culture & Business Scotland Fund, which connects business and culture and is backed by the Scottish Government, has made an investment equal to 50% of Lewis Wind Power's sponsorship of key festival outreach work.# This increase in funding means Lewis Wind Power is now able to sponsor community engagement projects such as the morning workshop series An Debrief le Choirstaidh based at the town's An Taigh Cèilidh. The festival aims to broaden access to Gaelic culture and arts with attractions such as Gaelic storytelling, a zine wall crafts and singalongs. The chair of the HebCelt board, Iain MacPhail, said: 'Lewis Wind Power's incredible and long-standing support for HebCelt already plays a vital role in showcasing local talent and creating cultural opportunities. 'Thanks now to the generous support of the Culture and Business Scotland Fund, we are able to expand that benefit into the heart of our community, unlocking new ways for young people, families and Gaelic speakers to engage with culture creatively.' Lewis Wind Power is a long-standing supporter of HebCelt Festival, having provided sponsorship for the event for 10 years. HebCelt was first held in 1996 and attracted an audience of 1,000 people, mainly comprised of locals. Lewis Wind Power, a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB, is the developer behind the Stornoway Wind Farm project which has consent in place for 33 turbines on land to the west of Stornoway, owned by The Stornoway Trust. Logan Black of Lewis Wind Power said: 'HebCelt is an iconic cultural event and Lewis Wind Power is proud to have supported it for over 10 years. 'As well as adding to the cultural and social vibrancy of the island, the festival is pioneering in its delivery of initiatives that connect deeply within the community. 'From Gaelic storytelling to grassroots creativity, this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to the islands and their cultural and sustainable future. 'We are hugely grateful for the support from the Culture and Business Scotland Fund that will allow Lewis Wind Power to extend that reach and profile even further, building on this exceptional relationship.' Since the launch of the festival it has become one of the most renowned festivals in Scotland and the lineup for 2025 includes Lauren Collier, Ruairidh Gray, Trail West, The Tumbling Souls, Samba Sene & Diwan, Malin Lewis Trio, NATI, Madison Violet, Lusa, Tide Lines, Eddi Reader, Josie Duncan, Elias Alexander, El Sartel, Cala, Beluga Lagoon and Donnie 'Dòtaman' MacLeod. David Nelson, interim director at Culture and Business Scotland, said: 'We're very pleased to support Lewis Wind Power's sponsorship of HebCelt festival's cultural activity, with a strong focus on community engagement.' 'Through the Culture and Business Scotland Fund investment, HebCelt can provide greater access to Gaelic arts and culture, as well as enhance the impact of their sponsorship with LWP.' HebCelt 2025 takes place from July 16 to 19 in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, spanning four full days of music, workshops and community celebration. For more information visit:
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Skerryvore and Eddi Reader inducted into HebCelt 'Hall of Fame'
Hosted in Stornoway, the Hebridean Celtic Festival attracts thousands to the isle of Lewis each year. Nearly 18,000 people attended in 2024, generating more than four million pounds for the local economy. Triple Brit winner Eddi Reader is one of the inductees. (Image: Supplied) Festival Operations Coordinator Carol Ferguson feted the inductees, praising their 'remarkable achievements' and 'steadfast support'. She said: 'Eddi has been a trailblazer for Scottish music for decades, celebrated by being awarded an incredible three Brit Awards among her other accolades, reinventing classics and defying convention to deliver original, inspiring and above all much loved songs that have helped shape the sound of Scotland across the years. 'Skerryvore are beloved by HebCelt audiences, consistently one of the most requested acts by our fans, and it is brilliant that they will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with us. Their globetrotting, invention and mastery of the live show is peerless, and they are so deserving of the reception they will undoubtedly receive on the Castle Green. Read more: The festival boss added: 'Willie Campbell is such a gifted guitarist and extraordinary storyteller. From his fledgling days of working with Astrid to supergroup The Reindeer Section, The Open Day Rotation, and now fans favourites The Tumbling Souls, his music, creativity and performances have brought immense pride to the Hebrides and support to the festival that's truly immeasurable. 'Words can scarcely do justice to the legacy of Alex MacDonald. Through vision and dedication, she has transformed the cultural landscape of Lewis, fostered careers, strengthened community ties, and championed the incredible talent of these islands. She is simply, and brilliantly, one of a kind.' Other members of the Hall of Fame include folk singer Dougie MacLean, Capercaillie's Karen Matheson, internationally renowned fiddler Duncan Chisholm, and Gaelic rockers Runrig. The HebCelt festival has run since 1996 (Image: Supplied) The quartet will be honoured throughout the festival, with performances by Eddi Reader and Willie Campbell on Thursday night, and a Saturday night concert by Skerryvore also taking place. Michelle Shields, HebCelt Artist Programmer and Director, added: 'Eddi, Willie, Skerryvore and Alex each hold a special place in the hearts of the HebCelt family. Their influence on Celtic, traditional, Scots and Gaelic music has been profound - and even life-changing for so many. 'Becoming a member of our Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their legacy and an absolutely perfect way to celebrate their outstanding contributions.' With the festivities just six weeks away, organisers have urged those interested in attending to purchase tickets now — or risk disappointment.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lulu to headline Hebridean Celtic Festival in her farewell tour year
Scots pop star Lulu is set to headline this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival with a performance celebrating her six-decade-long music career. This year's festival will take place from July 16 to July 19 in and around Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Known for her hit singles such as "Relight My Fire," "Boom Bang-A-Bang," and "Shout," Lulu will grace the main stage on July 18. Having rocked the crowd at Glastonbury last year, this will be Lulu's final year of touring. Skerryvore (Image: Supplied) Lulu said: "I'm looking forward to visiting the Outer Hebrides and performing at HebCelt in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis - see you in July." Joining her is the Celtic rock band Skerryvore who will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a performance on July 19. Accordionist and founding member Daniel Gillespie said: "This is a special year for the band as we celebrate 20 years of Skerryvore. "To headline the Saturday night at HebCelt means the world to us as we remember playing McNeils Bar all those years ago and dreaming of playing the main stage of the festival. Nina Nesbitt (Image: Supplied) ''We can't wait to see everyone on the island in July and have a very special show planned to celebrate 20 years." Other performers include "Mountain Music" star Nina Nesbitt and headliners Tide Lines. Nina, who has been supporting Snow Patrol on their sold-out UK and Ireland tour, will make her HebCelt debut. She said: "I'm looking forward to visiting HebCelt for the first time - it's always a pleasure to play for a Scottish crowd." The 2025 line-up also features Brit Award-winning Eddi Reader, Kassidy, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes, TRIP, Astro Bloc, Isla Scott, Laura Silverstone, Cassie and Maggie, Alasdair White & Keith Morrison, Ciorstaidh Beaton, Iona Mairead, and Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich. They will be joined by previously announced acts such as Beluga Lagoon, Lauren Collier, LUSA, El Sartel, Samba Sene & Diwan, The Tumbling Souls, Josie Duncan, Madison Violet, Elias Alexander, Cala, Trail West, Ruairidh Gray, Malin Lewis Trio, internet sensation NATI, and Gaelic TV icon Donnie Dòtaman. Michelle Shields, artist programmer and director at HebCelt, said: "This year's festival truly celebrates music across generations, from trailblazers like Lulu and Eddi Reader to the next generation of stars including NATI., Josie Duncan, and Lauren Collier. Read more: Going to a Scottish festival this year? Here's our pick of the best Five unmissable shows at this year's Glasgow International Comedy Festival Rip it up and start again? The future of Glasgow's UNESCO City of Music status Big screen talent announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Irvine Welsh unveiled as headliner for Paisley Book Festival "Our Celtic roots are proudly represented with Skerryvore marking their 20th year and consistently one of our most requested acts by fans, Highland heroes Tide Lines, and festival favourites like Trail West, Cala, and The Tumbling Souls. "We're also thrilled to spotlight talents like LUSA and Elias Alexander, alongside live sensations Beluga Lagoon, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes and Kassidy. "There's truly something for everyone at HebCelt, including cult Gaelic star Donnie Dòtaman who lit up so many childhoods, and the talented young musicians from Fèis who once again are opening the Island Stage on Saturday afternoon. "This year's festival also has the strongest line-up of female performers any of us can remember, from our headliners Lulu, Nina and Eddi to the likes of Madison Violet who have just announced this will be one of their last shows, plus new and exciting talent such as Laura Silverstone, Iona Mairead, Ciorstaidh Beaton and Isla Scott. "We simply can't wait to welcome music lovers of all tastes to what promises to be one of the most eclectic, vibrant, and memorable festivals yet." A record 70 per cent of the acts this year are female-led or have female members. This aligns with the festival's pledge to Keychange, an international campaign addressing gender inequality in the music industry. HebCelt has had at least a 50:50 gender balance every year since 2014. The festival will also feature a special celebration of An Lanntair, a renowned arts centre in Stornoway, marking its 40th anniversary. Details will be revealed next month, including one-off performances and collaborations, live band ceilidhs, and the return of the beloved late-night festival club. HebCelt has been a key event in Scotland's cultural calendar since 1996, attracting music lovers from around the globe to the Outer Hebrides. The festival is on course to have helped generate more than £40 million for the local economy by its 30th anniversary in 2027. Earlier this month, Creative Scotland endorsed the festival, securing its long-term planning with a three-year funding package. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, including three-year deals, can now apply.
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Lulu to headline HebCelt festival in final year of touring
Scots pop legend Lulu will headline this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival in what she has said will be her final year of touring, the organisers have announced. The Glasgow-raised singer first achieved UK chart success in 1964 with her single Shout, which she followed up with hits including the Eurovision-winning Boom Bang-A-Bang and the theme to James Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun. The 76-year-old is one of a number of acts announced by the organisers of the festival – known as HebCelt – which takes place in and around Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis from July 16 to 19. Lulu said: 'I'm looking forward to visiting the Outer Hebrides and performing at HebCelt in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – see you in July.' Other big-name acts announced on Friday include Celtic rockers Skerryvore – now in their 20th year – as well as Mountain Music star Nina Nesbitt and Brit Award winner Eddi Reader. Skerryvore accordionist and founding member Daniel Gillespie said: 'This is a special year for the band as we celebrate 20 years of Skerryvore. 'To headline the Saturday night at HebCelt means the world to us as we remember playing McNeils Bar all those years ago and dreaming of playing the main stage of the festival. 'We can't wait to see everyone on the island in July and have a very special show planned to celebrate 20 years.' The 2025 festival also includes Tide Lines, Kassidy, internet sensation NATI., Laura Silverstone, and Feis Eilean an Fhraoich. Michelle Shield, HebCelt's artist programmer and director, said: 'This year's festival truly celebrates music across generations, from trailblazers like Lulu and Eddi Reader to the next generation of stars including NATI., Josie Duncan, and Lauren Collier. 'Our Celtic roots are proudly represented with Skerryvore marking their 20th year and consistently one of our most requested acts by fans, Highland heroes Tide Lines, and festival favourites like Trail West, Cala, and The Tumbling Souls. 'We're also thrilled to spotlight talents like LUSA and Elias Alexander, alongside live sensations Beluga Lagoon, Tom McGuire & the Brassholes and Kassidy. 'There's truly something for everyone at HebCelt, including cult Gaelic star Donnie Dotaman who lit up so many childhoods, and the talented young musicians from Feis who once again are opening the Island Stage on Saturday afternoon. 'This year's festival also has the strongest line-up of female performers any of us can remember, from our headliners Lulu, Nina and Eddi to the likes of Madison Violet who have just announced this will be one of their last shows, plus new and exciting talent such as Laura Silverstone, Iona Mairead, Ciorstaidh Beaton and Isla Scott. 'We simply can't wait to welcome music lovers of all tastes to what promises to be one of the most eclectic, vibrant, and memorable festivals yet.' The organisers pointed out 70% of the acts set to perform at this year's HebCelt festival are female or have female members, and that it has had at least a 50:50 gender balance every year since 2014. This year's festival will also feature a special celebration of An Lanntair, the renowned arts centre in Stornoway, as it marks 40 years as a cultural beacon for the islands. Last year some 17,800 people attended HebCelt, generating about £4.1 million for the local economy. The organisers said the festival is expected to have generated more than £40 million in economic benefits locally by the time it marks its 30th anniversary edition in 2027.
