Organisers of this year’s HebCelt Festival have hailed its unique ‘cultural bond’ with the Outer Hebrides after staging more than 65 hours of music over four days.
Headliners Lulu, Skerryvore and Tide Lines led an all-star cast in the main arena at Lews Castle in Stornoway.
But its reach extended far beyond the Castle Green with unique performances across the community including at arts centre An Lanntair, on the other side of the island at Breasclete Community Centre, the Hebrides People Visitor Centre in Harris, as well as family shows at Stornoway Town Hall and an abundance of street performances.
Chair Iain Macphail said: “I was fortunate enough to get around many performances in and out of town, and it was clear to me what a vital and unique cultural bond HebCelt has with the entire island community.
“The fact that we were able to take performances into Harris and across Lewis means that those who couldn’t travel or had other barriers to attend the main arena, were still able to participate and enjoy some really wonderful performances.
“Seeing so many children and young families lapping up the relaxed performances at the town hall will never fail to make you smile and is such an important piece of outreach for us to perhaps inspire the musicians of tomorrow.
“We are also incredibly fortunate to have the treasure that is An Lanntair working so closely with us every year, putting on extraordinary performances that deliver a richness and depth of culture that you simply won’t find at other festivals. It’s truly special.
“As we reflect on the successes of this year’s festival, how we continue to build and evolve these partnerships and opportunities will be a real focus of our planning for the years ahead.”
An Lanntair, hailed by the festival as a ‘cultural beacon’ earlier this year as it celebrated its 40th anniversary, staged a series of one-off shows as well as hosting exhibitions, festival club nights and ceilidhs throughout. They also hosted various workshops in music, Gaelic and crafts during the week, as well as an Art Tent on Castle Green which saw 500 people participate in just three days.
Between Islands brought Hebridean artists Kathleen MacInnes, Alasdair White, and Willie Campbell together with Shetland’s Ross Couper, Jenny Keldie and Arthur Nicolson for a show that won a rapturous ovation.
It was followed by Dà Fhichead with Calum Alex Macmillan, Ceitlin Lilidh, Norrie Maciver, Jane Hepburn Macmillan and Andy Yearley, initially commissioned to mark its anniversary for Celtic Connections, and performed for its home audience.
That paved the way for the latest Hebridean Women, described by one reviewer as “the musical equivalent of seeing the Northern Lights”, with Anna Murray, Ceitlin Lilidh, Mischa Macpherson, Iona Mairead and Isobel Ann Martin, accompanied by pianist Andy Yearley.
The programme concluded with Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey, devised by musician Liza Mullholland and writer Donald S Murray, recounting the migration of 300 islanders to the US.
Alex MacDonald, Head of Performing Arts and Cultural Projects at An Lanntair, said: “We are one of the festivals longest running partnerships so of course are always delighted to play our part. It was certainly a busy week in An Lanntair, and as the figures show, another highly successful event for the community overall.
“In terms of our own programme, many of the island artists featured began their careers on the An Lanntair stage, so it was great to have that highlighted in our fortieth anniversary year too. I look forward to beginning work on the next one.”
In Harris, Cassie and Maggie sold out their performance at the Hebrides People Visitors Centre in what was the venue’s 25th anniversary year, while Breasclete hosted Madison Violet, who coincidentally were also celebrating 25 years performing together, with support from Calum & Isobel Ann Martin.
Those performing family shows at Stornoway Town Hall included Norrie ‘Tago’ Maciver with festival debutant Finlay Morrison, Madison Violet, Cassie & Maggie, Face the West’s Keith Morrison and fiddle legend Alasdair White.
Carol Ferguson, the festival’s Operations Co-ordinator, said: “We work very hard to ensure that our events are as safe, inclusive and accessible as possible, including a dedicated accessibility ambassador, relaxed performances, support teams and quiet chill out spaces on site at all times.
“It was an incredibly special atmosphere this year, with a real sense of fun. Our festival prides itself on being part of the community, and we are grateful to all our partners and supporters for making this the most successful event yet.”
Early bird tickets for next year’s HebCelt Festival are on sale now from Here
