Marsaili Shields
Where are you from/where do you live?
I'm from sunny Stornoway, currently living in Glasgow and will be moving to Australia for a while after this year's festival
What is your role?
Last year I was an Artist Rep, this year I'll be back in the box office making sure you all get your tickets and hoodies (only if you get them while they are in stock)
How did you get involved in the festival?
I volunteered as a steward in 2006 and have returned to be part of the festival team ever since. (I highly recommend getting involved to anyone and everyone)
Why do you do it/What makes HebCelt special for you?
There are so many reasons; I love that there is an International music festival in my home town and what it brings to Stornoway (and the island) e.g. the music, the people, the craic in the town, the street performers, the week long party etc. I love the annual volunteers BBQ on the Sunday, I love the festival family who bring it all together and being part of that, I love seeing the tent bursting people and music. I love everything HebCelt.
What's your best memory over the years?
I don't know if this is my favourite memory but it's my biggest... I was working in the box office one year and this particular day we were setting up merchandise stands, Michelle and Eilidh sent me upstairs to ask Sharon for a 'long stand'. I repeatedly went up and down the stairs that day and Sharon kept saying "Come back up later for it", there came a point when I decided to protest and wait until she gave it to me, Michelle then came up the stairs and asked what was I doing and I replied in an angry tone "I'm waiting for that flipping long stand you wanted".... and then cue the laughter from the 3 of them and I stormed back downstairs realising what a fool I was! Another memory which is a good one is from when Bodega played the main stage and myself, Eilidh and Eileen had a banner saying "WE LOVE NORRIE", his face was full of joy when he saw it!
Who were your favourite band of HebCelt 2011?
The Open Day Rotation on the second stage were just fantastic, I missed part of KT Tunstall's set as I was just glued to the second stage but what I saw of her was just amazing.
What band has been your highlight of HebCelt?
Oh so many but top highlights are definitely: Mauvais Sort in 2006, The Levellers, The Chair, Shooglenifty, Treacherous Orchestra, Peatbogs and without a doubt seeing Face The West rock the main stage was a massive highlight.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at HebCelt 2012?
Kassidy, The Proclaimers, Skerryvore and Niteworks to name a few.
