Dòtaman: Hat making workshop for HebCelt
THURSDAY 10TH JULY
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
An Lanntair education room
Admission: adults £8 children £5
BOOK HERE
Make a wild and wonderful hat to wear to Donnie Dòtaman’s set at HebCelt.
https://www.hebceltfest.com/artist/donnie-dotaman
Gaelic TV programme Dòtaman (Gaelic for “spinning top”) began in 1985 starring Donnie Macleod, formerly of Na h-Òganaich. Donnie was primarily the singer across the many series of the programme, and became known for wearing different silly hats relevant to his songs. Donnie was often seen wearing a default seagull hat when the theme didn’t lend itself to be illustrated with a hat. Many of the hats were designed and constructed by costume designer Kirsty Colam. An Lanntair held an entertaining and colourful exhibition of Donnie Dotaman hats in the old An Lanntair gallery in Stornoway Town Hall in 1990.
An Lanntair and the Dòtaman programme share our 40th birthday in 2025, and this workshop is part of An Lanntair’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Suitable for all ages. Under 8s should be accompanied by an adult.
HEBCELT MUSIC WORKSHOPS at AN LANNTAIR
THURSDAY 17TH JULY
Tàlaidhean with Ceitlin Lilidh
Time: 11am – 12pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £8 / £6
BOOK HERE
Join Ceitlin Lilidh (Sian) for Tàlaidhean, a workshop celebrating the beauty of traditional Gaelic lullabies from the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Listen, learn, and sing in a friendly and open environment.
Ceitlin Lilidh is a Scottish Gaelic singer brought up in Ness on the Isle of Lewis. She is a member of Sian and features on Niteworks’ notable single Air Fàir an Là. Her vocals also star on Netflix’s Outlaw King, and Skipinnish’s album The Seventh Wave. As a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and winner of the Mòd Traditional Gold Medal, Ceitlin has a wealth of experience performing all over the world as an ambassador for Gaelic song.
THURSDAY 17TH JULY
Hebridean Tunes for Fiddle with Alasdair White
Time: 2pm – 3.15pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £8 / £6
BOOK HERE
This workshop offers a focus on Hebridean tunes for the fiddle, with particular attention to the stylistic features that give the music its distinctive character. Drawing on the area’s strong piping and Gaelic singing traditions, we’ll explore how to play tunes with phrasing, bowing, and ornamentation that reflect the island’s musical tradition. The aim is to give you some tools to bring a sense of place and authenticity to your playing which can also be applied to other fiddle styles. Teaching will be primarily by ear, but sheet music and supporting materials will be provided after the class.
Level: Upper Intermediate and Advanced
Bring: Your instrument, a recording device
Fiddler Alasdair White is widely regarded as one of the leading exponents of Scottish music touring, teaching and performing today on both sides of the Atlantic. His deep rooted yet wide-ranging musicality reflects his Isle of Lewis birthplace, current New York City home, and over 20 years globe-trotting with some of the best known names in Scottish, Irish, and Breton music.
FRIDAY 18TH JULY 
Songwriting as self-expression with Liza Mulholland
Time: 11am - 12pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £8 / £6
BOOK HERE
Come and join Liza Mulholland, one of the songwriters and musicians on the Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey show, for a songwriting session! If you play guitar or similar, feel free to bring it, but ability to play an instrument is not essential. Keyboard is provided. Age 12 to 18.
Liza Mulholland, musician, singer-songwriter and composer, is from Inverness but with Isle of Lewis family background has always had strong connections to the island. She has composed songs and instrumental music for many diverse projects, including Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey, has been commissed to compose for film, teaches within fèisean, as well as performing and recording with numerous artistes in folk, trad, country, Americana and indie genres.
FRIDAY 18TH JULY
Exploring String Ensemble Magic with Christine Hanson and Charlie McKerron
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £8 / £6
BOOK HERE
Join Christine Hanson (cello) & Charlie McKerron (fiddle) for a dynamic workshop focused on exciting new tunes for cello and fiddle. This session is designed for cellists with at least one year of experience on their instrument, and for fiddlers at an intermediate level. While less experienced players are welcome to attend, please note that the workshop will be geared towards these playing levels.
In this lively session, we will:
- Learn how to build a supportive accompaniment quickly and confidently
- Explore harmonic and rhythmic ideas to create rich textures together
- Work on two new tunes as our foundation for accompaniment
This workshop is all about developing practical ensemble skills—no basic theory drills, just the real tools to help you create a great accompaniment in a short amount of time.
Come join us during a vibrant weekend of music, creativity, and connection with fellow players!
Music has taken Christine Hanson from touring Canada’s High Arctic with a tango trio, to playing traditional music in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. While classically trained, In her roles as a cellist, composer and sound designer, Christine is eclectic in her musical explorations. Her experience included compositional commissions, arranging, studio, theatre, television, film composition, and performing as an ensemble musician with a variety of groups that play classical, folk, pop-jazz, and experimental music. Hanson’s original compositions are featured in her compelling multi-media production “The Cremation of Sam McGee”- taking the audience in tandem across the snowy landscape on a magical journey! She is also an experienced instructor, teaching professional master classes, and workshops on both sides of the Atlantic. Christine won CBC’s Galaxie Award for Best New Artist at Canada’s JUNOfest 2006.
Recently described as a “Wonderful, high octane fiddle player and composer”, Charlie Mckerron has now clocked up 40 years on the road as a professional musician. From winning the Daily Record Golden Fiddle award in the early 1980’s, Charlie went on to join Gaelic supergroup Capercaillie in 1985. They have achieved over 1 million album sales to date, as the band goes beyond it’s 41st year. In 2005 Charlie won the first ever “Composer of the Year” in the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. His compositions are widely performed and recorded throughout the traditional scene and can be heard regularly at pub sessions. Charlie has written music for film and documentary and contributed to the soundtrack for the Hollywood Blockbuster “Rob Roy”. He received 2 Royal Television Society Awards for co-writing the music for the 6 part BBC Scotland drama series “Gruth is Uachdar” (Crowdie and Cream). He has more recently composed the soundtrack for Scottish film “Zip n’ Zoo” and “Four Men and a Malt”. Charlie has appeared regularly on screen and television throughout his career with Capercaillie and Session A9; and as a soloist with highlights being “Rob Roy”; “Zip n’ Zoo”; BBC Scotland’s “The Songs of the 45”; and an appearance on the first series of “Transatlantic Sessions”. As well as touring with Session A9 and Capercaillie , He has joined “Celtic Fiddle Festival” and plays with Mckerron Brechin and O’Headhra. Most recently he has been out on the road with “Charlie Mckerron and Friends” featuring Ross Ainsle, Tim Edey and Marc Clement.
FRIDAY 18TH JULY 
Immigration Songs: Gaelic song workshop with Calum Alex Macmillan
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £8 / £6
BOOK HERE
In advance of ‘Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey’ join Lewis talent Calum Alex Macmillan for an hour-long workshop to learn some Gaelic songs about immigration. Open to all ages and levels of Gaelic fluency. Booking essential.
Calum Alex Macmillan was born and brought up in the Isle of Lewis, surrounded by traditional music and Gaelic song from a young age. He has gone to become one of Scotland’s leading Gaelic singers. He is one of the youngest ever winners of the Mod Gold Medal, adding the traditional Gold medal and the traditional prize from the Pan Celtic festival to this. As well as maintaining a successful career as solo singer and piper, Calum Alex was part of the Gaelic supergroup ‘Dàimh’ between 2006 and 2012 recording two critically acclaimed albums and performing extensively throughout the UK and Europe. He was also part of the all-male Gaelic supergroup Na Seòid. 2017 saw the release of a new solo album, ‘Till – Return’ featuring traditional and contemporary songs from his native Lewis alongside some newly self-penned pipe music.
SATURDAY 19TH JULY
Puirt à Beul workshop with Mischa Macpherson
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £8 / £6
BOOK HERE
Mischa Macpherson is suitable for both beginners and experienced singers who would like to know more about this unique form. You’ll learn songs including strathspeys, jigs and reels from a variety of backgrounds and places.
Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award for Gaelic Singer of the Year, Mischa Macpherson is ’one of the most exciting and fully rounded talents to emerge from the Scottish scene in many a year’ (Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2). Having grown up immersed in the distinctive culture of the Outer Hebrides, she unearthed her love for music and Gaelic at a very early age, and it is these influences that the singer now presents with clarity and tenderness to audiences around the world.
GAELIC TASTER SESSIONS
THURSDAY 17th + FRIDAY 18th July
Time: 12:30 – 1:30pm
Community Room, An Lanntair
Admission: £6 / £5
BOOK HERE
Corthom began Gàidhlig a thogail a bhios air leth feumail timicheal air làrach na Feis!
This is your chance to learn some simple day to day Gaelic and Some essential festival phrases! We can’t promise you will be fluent by the end of the festival but you will have been exposed to one of the worlds’ finest and most poetic of languages.
These sessions will be led by Sean Macleod, Gaelic Arts Officer with An Lanntair and Western Isles Libraries.
HEBCELT FAMILY CONCERTS 
WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY: STORNOWAY TOWN HALL
11:30am - Donations at the Door
Bring along the young ones and relax in the company of some fine musicians. This fabulous family event provides the ideal opportunity for the young ones to experience their first festival concert. The event is free and unticketed but do get there early to avoid disappointment. Donations at the door for Macmillan Cancer Care.
SATURDAY (RELAXED PERFORMANCE) A relaxed performance that will offer a welcoming atmosphere primarily for individuals who might feel overwhelmed by the traditional festival setting. This performance is particularly accommodating for those with additional support needs, individuals who might produce involuntary noise, or anyone who prefers a less formal concert experience. The sound level will be kept to a lower level, the lighting level will be up and the capacity reduced for this performance. The venue has quiet spaces out with the auditorium should this be required. This performance will be free but ticketed – Booking Essential at https://www.hebceltfest.com/
HIGHLAND DANCING DISPLAY
Wednesday to Friday 2pm: Donations
THE NARROWS
Come and enjoy a display of traditional Highland Dancing from the Sharon Mackinnon School of Highland Dancing
Our talented troupe will performs flings, reels and jigs as well as the famous sword dance.
Displays will take place in the centre of the town outside Boots the Chemist.
RADIO NAN GÀIDHEAL at HEBCELT 
Thursday / Friday 12 – 3.30pm: Free
PERCEVAL SQUARE, STORNOWAY
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal will be broadcasting live afternoon sessions from HebCelt.
Emma Lamont and Niall Iain MacDonald host the cream of the festival’s performers, and you’ll be able to see them live in the centre of Stornoway
STREET PERFORMERS 
FRIDAY & STAURDAY
THE NARROWS
12:30pm
Cali & Mari
Say hello to Cali and Mari – two gentle giant octopuses who’ve popped up from the deep blue sea to see what life on land is all about!
With eight wiggly legs, three big hearts, and endless curiosity, these colourful stilt-walking sea creatures love meeting new friends.
Accompanied by their kind and quirky guide, Captain Barnacle, they explore the streets with wide-eyed wonder.
The Funksters
Get ready to dance, giggle, and groove with The Funksters – a super-silly trio who’ve time-travelled straight from the 1960s and 70s!
With sky-high stilts, fabulous flares, and the biggest hair you’ve ever seen, they love to spread joy wherever they go.
Full of cheesy jokes, funky moves, and feel-good fun, they’re always up for a family-friendly dance-off, a wave, or a photo.
Keep your eyes (and ears!) peeled – when The Funksters arrive, the party is never far behind!
PIPE BAND PARADE
Thursday 5pm FROM PORTERS LODGE
Saturday 1pm FROM PERCEVAL SQUARE
Donations
Follow the band as they kick off proceedings leading to the opening of the main arena for the Festival at the Castle Grounds on Thursday evening, and again on Saturday afternoon.
Featuring the pipes and drums of Lewis Pipe Band and the Lewis & Harris Youth Pipe Band.
LIFEBOAT FAMILY FUN 5K
Saturday from 10am
RNLI LIFEBOAT STATION
It might be festival Saturday, but this regular feature of the final day is part of the Stornoway Lifeboat annual celebrations and takes the runners from the town centre out the low road past Cuddy Point in the Castle Grounds and back again.
Not the most challenging route but a good way to blow away the cobwebs.
Registration from 10am; run starts at 10.30am. Contact Stornoway RNLI for more information Stornoway@rnli.org.uk
HEBCELT SHINTY CHALLENGE CUP
JUNIOR SHINTY EXHIBITION – SATURDAY 1PM: DONATIONS
HEBCELT SHINTY CHALLENGE CUP -SATURDAY 2PM: DONATIONS
BAYHEAD PITCH
The traditional clash between Lewis and Uist is an unmissable highlight of Festival Saturday; the camans swaying without warning, great athleticism, tremendous skill and never-say-die commitment will all be on show as the island rivals confront each other in the heart of Stornoway.
This year, alongside the senior match for the historic HebCelt Challenge Cup, you can also catch the rising stars of the game in the Junior Shinty Exhibition.
If you’ve never been to a shinty match, make these thrilling contests your first — fast, physical, and packed with island pride.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will be in attendance and will have an information tent, along with Sponsoring the Man of the match awards for both Senior and Junior Matches.
FREE BREAKFAST @ THE FREE CHURCH
Sunday 8.30am - 10.30am
STORNOWAY FREE CHURCH, KENNETH STREET
https://stornowayfreechurch.com/contact-us/find-us/
A FREE breakfast and a warm welcome await you in the M. A. Macleod Memorial Hall adjacent to Stornoway Free Church on Kenneth Street, in the heart of Stornoway.
The congregation of Stornoway Free Church has been delighted to offer this free breakfast on the Sunday of HebCelt weekend for many years. Festival goers who attend our breakfast event every year, can attest to both the sterling quality and generous quantity of the food at this regular feature of the island’s busiest weekend of the year.
Bacon and egg rolls, cereal, waffles, fruit, muesli bars, fresh juice, hot tea and fresh coffee are all prepared by a team of experienced volunteers who love to cook for old friends and new visitors.
You can also access free WIFI, facilities for charging mobile devices or even a shower! T
hose who wish to hear traditional Gaelic psalm singing, would be made very welcome at our 11am church service, the whole service is delivered in English but includes Gaelic singing. However, there is absolutely no obligation to attend the church service after breakfast. So, whether you’re dashing off to catch the ferry, or staying a few more days to enjoy the sights, please come along and enjoy a free breakfast with us!
WITH THANKS TO ALL IN THE COMMUNITY WHO HELP ADD TO THE FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE BY ORGANISING OR HOSTING THESE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT MANY LOCAL CHARITIES.