Alma Maclean
Where are you from/where do you live?
I am from Stornoway (A Townie as they say here!) though live now on the West Side of Lewis.
What is your role?
I have had a number of roles over the years, from organising the childrens workshops, team leader stewarding, gate sales but have been team leader for tokens/gate sales the last few years.
How did you get involved in the festival?
I had to think long and hard to remember this! I think I originally started stewarding at the second festival as a result of my now hubby being involved in the electrical side of the prep. With the festival growing each year more of my friends and family were coming home for the festival and by working I could get to see everyone!
Why do you do it/What makes HebCelt special for you?
On the last night, when everything is settling down, I go and sit backstage for a few minutes (right next to the band playing live) and look out to the crowd, the lighting, the sea of happy people singing their hearts out and that's why I do it! The other reason probably sounds like a cliché but its very true. The 'festival family' truly make it worthwhile. Everyone works so hard and seeing the festival coming together and working with many good friends is very special. Its also my birthday during festival week and what an amazing party to get every year!
What's your best memory over the years?
Gosh, hard question to answer! There are so many! I think the most amazing one though was the first time Afro Celts played, they were amazing and some reckon it was the beat of their drums that took a school of dolphins into the inner harbour. I stood watching them with some Canadian visitors, to a backdrop of a beautiful sunset and the band playing = awesome!!
Who were your favourite band of HebCelt 2011?
Again hard to choose, though I thought Ahab were amazing! The local musicians did us all proud also!
What band has been your highlight of HebCelt?
These questions are getting harder! There are so many! Probably Afro Celt Sound System but closely followed by Peatbog Faeries, Oojami, Runrig, Imelda May, Face the West and many more. ...!
Who are you looking forward to seeing at HebCelt 2012?
Well that's got to be all the volunteers and staff firstly ;-) but after the success of the second stage last year I am looking forward to discovering more new and amazing music. Looking forward to Kassidy, The Proclaimers, the Waterboys and our homegrown talent!
