Hebridean festival shares highlights for 27th year
Award-winning Lewis music festival HebCelt kicks off in just two weeks’ time and is counting down to its 27th year with a look ahead to some of the highlights for this year.
Set in the picturesque grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway from 17th – 20th July 2024, the iconic international music event will welcome over 80 artists to perform, with attendances of over 18,000 expected across the week.
Here’s some of the top things that visitors and Lewis locals alike can look out for at the festival’s 2024 edition:
Show-stopping headliners
HebCelt has had its fair share of knock-out headliners over the years and 2024 is no different.
Celtic icons Skipinnish will top the bill on Thursday 18th July. One of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary bands, Skipinnish are celebrating 25 years at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene in 2024, with Lewis local Norrie MacIver set to lead some anthem singalongs for his native crowd.
Taking the event’s coveted Friday headline slot is legendary alternative rock act James, who will make their HebCelt debut on Friday 19th July as they perform in the Hebrides for the very first time. With more than 25 million albums sold over their 42-year career, the Manchester legends are amongst the most successful – and most loved – alternative rock bands of their era and visit HebCelt hot on the heels of a sensational performance at Glastonbury.
Also performing for the first time at HebCelt are Scottish legends Del Amitri. The alternative rock band who formed in Glasgow in 1980 headline the main stage on Saturday 20th July. Lewis holds a special place in frontman Justin Currie’s heart and is looking forward to closing the festival in style in just two weeks’ time.
Scottish talent showcase
Homegrown talent is always centre stage at HebCelt and Friday alone sees acclaimed Scottish fusion band Gnoss, award-winning Lewis singer Alice Macmillan and two of the most celebrated Hebridean musicians of their generation, Alasdair White and Keith Morrison, play for festival audiences.
Irish and Scottish trio Alana, Aoife agus Caitlin celebrate their respective roots on Saturday with an afternoon of piping and song, with powerhouse Glasgow-based group Kinnaris Quintet playing a must-see set on the same day taking influences of traditional Scottish, Irish bluegrass, classical, Scandinavian and Appalachian music, and creating technically dazzling, evocative arrangements.
The festival also showcases and shares the Gaelic language each year with a range of Gaelic performers involved this year including singer and fiddler Evie Waddell, beloved songstress Katie Macfarlane, talented Gaelic vocal group Sian and Skye natives Valtos, who will bring their party-starting blend of electronic and folk music to Lews Castle Green.
HebCelt is also proud to once again partner with An Lanntair for a programme of specially commissioned concerts, performances and exhibitions celebrating the cultural talent of the Hebrides and beyond. Showcased at the Stornoway arts centre, the programme opens on Wednesday 17th July with celebrated local artist Alasdair White’s The Heart of Beyond show.
Community events for all
Alongside the showcase of musicians across the week, the festival hosts a packed fringe programme, bringing activities for all the family to the streets and venues of Stornoway. This spans music workshops, Gaelic taster sessions, a Highland dancing display, circus street show and a series of family concerts.
HebCelt also continues to come up with new ways to make the festival accessible to all. New for 2024 is relaxed concert performances suitable for those with additional support needs who might feel overwhelmed by the traditional festival setting.
Elsewhere, and new for this year is the HebCelt Colour Dash. Hosted in partnership with Young Islanders Network and collecting donations for MacMillan Cancer Support, the sold-out fun dash follows a 1.25km route from Porter’s Lodge to Bridge Centre and back for participants to walk, run or dance through colour stations along the way.
Local food and drinks
With a wide range of food stalls at this year’s festival there’s bound to be something for everyone and HebCelt audiences certainly won’t go hungry.
The festival will see the welcome return of Woodburn’s Pizza, Highland Hog Roasts, HHR Fish & Chips as well as local favourites, the Thai Café and Croft & Cuan from South Uist.
New stalls this year include Antojitos Vegan street food, Scottish festival favourite Fried Guys, and Yella Street Food’s Submarine Sandwiches packed with all manner of tasty fillings, straight off the grill.
This summer will also be the first HebCelt for local community group The Newmarket Gateway Trust whose tuck-shop will be serving sweet treats as well as candyfloss, fresh fruit and blended fruit drinks.
The Isle of Harris Gin Ceilidh Tent also returns this year, showcasing some fantastic live music as well as serving up their own selection of fresh summer cocktails, alongside Lomond Brewery who will provide festival goers with a vast array of craft ales throughout the weekend.
The main bar will be serving draught beer and cider from Belhaven Brewery in addition to a wide variety of wines and spirits, while Julie’s Bar will be operating from a new location on the Green, serving up champagne, prosecco, wines, spirits and cocktails.
Fancy dress competition
HebCelt is running a fancy dress competition this year on the Saturday and encouraging everyone to join in the fun. The theme for festival-goers is pirates and mermaids with a fantastic prize for the most creative costume. The competition is open to all ages and the best dressed pirate or mermaid will receive tickets to HebCelt 2025.
Carol Ferguson, HebCelt Festival Operations Coordinator, said: “Things are shaping up brilliantly for this year’s festival and we can’t believe that in just two weeks’ time Lews Castle Green will be filled with thousands of music fans from around the world – we’re so excited to welcome everyone. From the incredible headline acts to the jam-packed fringe programme and delicious array of food and drink available across the week, there’s so much on offer this year, as ever.
“Stornoway comes to life in such a spectacular way during HebCelt, with everyone getting behind the event. We want as many people to be part of that and would encourage folks to jump on a ferry or flight and come experience the community atmosphere and world-class music on display at HebCelt. We can’t wait to welcome audiences on 17th July –- the countdown is officially on!”
HebCelt 2024 will take place from 17th – 20th July. Tickets are on sale now, for more information visit: www.hebceltfest.com.
