The award-winning Hebridean Celtic Festival has been praised for its economic, cultural and environmental efforts in a motion to the Scottish Parliament.
Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, has asked Parliament to congratulate the volunteers and organisers of the highly successful 24th HebCelt, which took place from 17-20 July in Lewis and Harris.
This year’s festival was headlined by KT Tunstall, The Shires and Tide Lines who were among more than 30 acts appearing in Stornoway and island communities.
Dr Allan’s motion recognises that the festival is the major event on the Celtic music calendar and is almost entirely produced by voluntary effort.
It also commends HebCelt’s focus on environmental issues after 80 per cent of waste from last year’s festival was diverted from landfill and acknowledges the substantial economic contribution the festival makes, having generated more than £25 million for the local economy since its inception in 1996.
In addition, the motion praises “the role that HebCelt plays in displaying the positive aspects of island life and for showcasing the islands as a culturally rich and vibrant place to live”.
Festival director Caroline Maclennan said: “This year’s festival was a great success for many reasons and we are grateful to Alasdair Allan for highlighting the event’s achievements which are a tribute to all the hard work by our volunteer team and supporters.
“It is rewarding to be recognised for a successful event as we look ahead to our milestone 25th HebCelt next year.”
Early bird weekend tickets for arena shows on 15-18 July next year are now on sale from the festival website.
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