Countdown to HebCelt 2024
4 July 2024
HebCelt kicks off in just two weeks’ time and is counting down to its 27th year with a look ahead to some of the highlights for this year.
The iconic international music event will welcome over 80 artists to perform, with attendances of over 18,000 expected across the week.
Headline acts included Celtic icons Skipinnish, legendary alternative rock act James, and Scottish legends Del Amitri.
Homegrown talent is always centre stage at HebCelt and Friday alone sees acclaimed
Scottish fusion band Gnoss, award-winning Lewis singer Alice Macmillan and two of
the most celebrated Hebridean musicians of their generation, Alasdair White and Keith
Morrison, play for festival audiences.
Irish and Scottish trio Alana, Aoife agus Caitlin celebrate their respective roots
on Saturday with an afternoon of piping and song, with powerhouse Glasgow-based group
Kinnaris Quintet playing a must-see set on the same day.
The festival also showcases and shares the Gaelic language each year with a range
of Gaelic performers involved this year including singer and fiddler Evie Waddell,
beloved songstress Katie Macfarlane, talented Gaelic vocal group Sian, and Skye natives
Valtos, who will bring their party-starting blend of electronic and folk music to
the Lews Castle Green.
A packed fringe programme has been arranged, bringing activities for all the family to the streets and venues of Stornoway. This spans music workshops, Gaelic taster sessions, a Highland dancing display, circus street show and a series of family concerts.
New for 2024 is relaxed concert performances suitable for those with additional support needs who might feel overwhelmed by the traditional festival setting.
Also new for this year is the HebCelt Colour Dash. Hosted in partnership with Young
Islanders Network and collecting donations for MacMillan Cancer Support, the sold-out
fun dash follows a 1.25km route from Porter’s Lodge to Bridge Centre and back for
participants to walk, run or dance through colour stations along the way.
A fancy dress competition on the Saturday has ‘pirates and mermaids/ as its theme with a fantastic prize for the most creative costume. The competition is open to all ages and the best dressed pirate or mermaid will receive tickets to HebCelt 2025.
