Hebridean Celtic Festival

The Hebridean Celtic Festival (Scottish Gaelic: Fèis Cheilteach Innse Gall) is an international Celtic music festival, which takes place annually in Stornoway on Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The biggest headliners to date have been Runrig, The Waterboys, Proclaimers and Van Morrison. Many other acts take part in the event, including visiting international artists, solo artists and local musicians.

Organised largely by a dedicated volunteer force, the event established in 1996 has seen growth over the intervening years. Over and above the music, the Fesitval also offers workshops, street arts, Gaelic storytelling, language tasters, and opportunities to explore areas rich culture and heritage. A recent addition is an annual inter islandshinty match for the Hebcelt Trophy, [http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/sport/Heb-Celt-Shinty-match-pitches.3940008.jp] played for the first time in 2007.

Now firmly established as one of Scotland’s great summer music events the population of Stornoway swells by half during July to accommodate the annual pilgrimage of festivalgoers.

This year’s programme features the folk rock phenomenon that is The Saw Doctors, Scottish mavericks Shooglenifty, bagpipes with attitude from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Seth Lakeman, currently the hottest property on the resurgent English roots scene, award winning Julie Fowlis and the unforgettable sound of huge festival favourites, Four Men & a Dog.

Gaelic heroes Na Seòid led by the inimitable Mary Ann Kennedy serve up a fitting opener for a full events schedule in An Lanntair which abounds with the talents of US roots act Hunger Mountain Boys, duelling pipers Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson and songstress Karine Polwart. Local artists led by legendary Mairi Smith, singer/songwriter/piper Iain Morrison with his Sleepy Café Band, new duo Calum Alex MacMillan with Battlefield Band’s Alasdair White, are all to be found within this year’s exciting programme.

Past Bands Performing at the Hebridean Celtic Festival

* The Proclaimers
* Van Morrison
* Runrig
* The Saw Doctors
* Capercaillie (band)
* Fiddlers Bid
* Finlay MacDonald Band
* Salsa Celtica
* Davy Spillane
* Natalie McMaster
* Dougie MacLean
* The Waterboys
* Moving Hearts
* Peatbog Faeries

External links

* [http://www.hebceltfest.com/ Official Festival Website]
* [http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news?articleid=3034058 Stornoway Gazette Coverage]