Beloved Lewis music festival HebCelt brought a welcome £3.6 million boost to the local economy with its 2023 edition, as well as breaking the attendance record set last year.
Over 19,500 tickets were sold for the main shows at the spectacular Lews Castle Grounds, an increase of more than 8% compared to 2022, while overall attendances at the programme as a whole across the town rose by 6%, according to an in-
The report found that 61% of visitors were in the area as a direct result of HebCelt, with 52% coinciding their trip with visits to friends and family.
The £3.6 million injection from 2023, brings the total economic impact of the Outer Hebridean festival to £34 million over its 26-
Visitors spent nearly a week – an average of 6.8 days – on Lewis and Harris, demonstrating that while HebCelt was a deciding factor in their visit to the area, they spent time on either side of the event enjoying the local area and all it has to offer.
A total of 70 performances, including 40 in the main arena, nine late night sessions, four at An Lanntair and three family concerts, took place over the course of the week, with loyal fans coming from near and far to make the most of the outstanding celebration of music, Celtic and Gaelic culture on offer.
Out of 265 performers profiled, 34% were based on Lewis and Harris, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to supporting local musicians, and highlighting the wealth of local talent coming from the Outer Hebrides.
HebCelt chairwoman, Gayle Findlay, said: "It’s so important to us that HebCelt has a positive impact on local people and businesses, and knowing that the festival has helped bring visitors to Lewis and the Hebrides in general, allowing them to see the beauty of the local area, is really encouraging, as is seeing the unwavering appetite for Celtic music and culture.
“We are constantly blown away by the support and enthusiasm of the HebCelt audience, and to have broken the attendance record once again is just phenomenal. It means so much to us to see the festival grow each year, and to know that it brings such a boost to the local economy is fantastic. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
Hebridean Celtic Festival £3.6 million boost to Lewis economy
6 November 2023
