25 YEARS OF HEBCELT
11th July to 26th August in and around the venue
AN LANNTAIR
Exhibition of posters celebrating the exciting programmes that HebCelt has brought to the island over the last 25 editions. From the heady early years through until this year’s fabulous programme, see how the event has evolved and the artwork developed over that time. Were you there? Take a walk down memory lane.
HEBCELT WORKSHOPS
Wednesday – Saturday: 10am and 2pm: £5 / £4 concession
AN LANNTAIR EDUCATION ROOM
Take time out to hone your skills in this series of inspiring workshops with talented HebCelt musicians. The workshops, to be held in An Lanntair, will include Song-writing, Percussion, Accordion and Fiddle for intermediate to advanced players aged 14 to adult. Booking highly recommended with An Lanntair.
FAMILY CONCERTS
Wednesday – Friday, 11.30 am: Donations on door
STORNOWAY TOWN HALL
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.
HIGHLAND DANCING DISPLAY
Wednesday to Friday 2pm: Donations
THE NARROWS
Come and enjoy a display of traditional Highland Dancing from the Mackinnon Dancers. 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.
GAELIC LANGUAGE TASTERS
Thursday and Friday 11.30am: £4, Children (Under 14) Free
AN LANNTAIR COMMUNITY ROOM
This is your chance to learn the language in its heartland. 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. Booking essential.
RADIO NAN GAIDHEAL @ HEBCELT
Thursday / Friday 12 – 3.30pm: Free
Army Reserve Centre, Church Street
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal will be broadcasting live afternoon sessions from HebCelt. Featuring the cream of festival performers, these free sessions, presented by Emma Lamont and Niall Iain MacDonald are open to all to drop in and out of. Best to get in early though, as space is limited.
LET’S CIRCUS STREET SHOW
Thursday to Saturday 12.30pm daily: ALL SHOWS BY DONATIONS
THE NARROWS
Bring some gold or money to fold. This year’s artists have travelled from across the globe to get to Stornoway. Comedy! Skills! Laughter! Fun!
PIPE BAND PARADE
Thursday 6pm and Saturday 1pm: Donations
FROM PERCEVAL SQUARE
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. Feature the pipes and drums of Lewis Pipe Band and the Lewis & Harris Youth Pipe Band.
PIPING RECITAL
Friday 15th July, 11am: £10 / £5 concession, Under 18 free.
CALADH INN
The Lewis and Harris Piping Society are hosting a Piping Recital featuring a host of talented local pipers. Tickets on the door.
Contact: Ashley for more information.
LIFEBOAT FAMILY FUN RUN
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 to 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.
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. If you've never been to a shinty match, make the historic HebCelt Challenge Cup your first.
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.