HebCelt has announced that Lulu will headline the Hebridean Festival this summer in Stornoway. The Scottish legend will appear alongside Tide Lines, Skerryvore, Nina Nesbitt, Eddi Reader, Trail West, Kassidy, Beluga Lagoon and NATI.
After sixty years in the business the wee lassie from Dennistoun, whose debut hit Shout is still a main part of her act, will rev up music fans attending the festival from 16-19 July.
Best known for her ten Top 10 singles including the chart-topping Relight My Fire with Take That, Eurovision-winning Boom Bang-A-Bang, James Bond theme The Man With The Golden Gun, and her iconic debut hit Shout – Lulu will take the main stage on Friday, July 18.
The Scots legend, who wowed crowds at Glastonbury last year and announced that this will be her final year of touring, shared her excitement at coming to HebCelt. She told fans: “I’m looking forward to visiting the Outer Hebrides and performing at HebCelt in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – see you in July.”
Joining Lulu are festival favourites and Celtic rock superstars Skerryvore, who will celebrate their 20th anniversary as one of Scotland’s best loved exports by taking the crowd’s hand with a full-band performance on Saturday, July 19.
Known for electrifying audiences worldwide, Skerryvore promises to deliver a high-energy set filled with fan anthems and special guests. Accordionist and founding member Daniel Gillespie said: “This is a special year for the band as we celebrate 20 years of Skerryvore.
“To headline the Saturday night at HebCelt means the world to us as we remember playing McNeils Bar all those years ago and dreaming of playing the main stage of the festival. We can’t wait to see everyone on the island in July and have a very special show planned to celebrate 20 years.”
HebCelt’s Artist Programmer and Director Michelle Shields highlighted the diversity and richness of this year’s line-up, saying: “This year’s festival truly celebrates music across generations, from trailblazers like Lulu and Eddi Reader to the next generation of stars including NATI., Josie Duncan, and Lauren Collier.
“Our Celtic roots are proudly represented with Skerryvore marking their 20th year and consistently one of our most requested acts by fans, Highland heroes Tide Lines, and festival favourites like Trail West, Cala, and The Tumbling Souls. We’re also thrilled to spotlight talents like LUSA and Elias Alexander, alongside live sensations Beluga Lagoon, Tom McGuire & the Brassholes and Kassidy.
“There’s truly something for everyone at HebCelt, including cult Gaelic star Donnie Dòtaman who lit up so many childhood’s, and the talented young musicians from Fèis who once again are opening the Island Stage on Saturday afternoon.”
She added: “This year’s festival also has the strongest line-up of female performers any of us can remember, from our headliners Lulu, Nina and Eddi to the likes of Madison Violet who have just announced this will be one of their last shows, plus new and exciting talent such as Laura Silverstone, Iona Mairead, Ciorstaidh Beaton and Isla Scott.
“We simply can’t wait to welcome music lovers of all tastes to what promises to be one of the most eclectic, vibrant, and memorable festivals yet.”
This year’s festival will also feature a special celebration of An Lanntair, the renowned arts centre in Stornoway, as it marks 40 years as a cultural beacon for the islands. Details to be revealed next month will include unique one-off performances and collaborations, live band ceilidhs, and return of the beloved late-night festival club.
Since 1996, HebCelt has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural calendar, attracting music lovers from around the globe to the stunning setting of the Outer Hebrides. It is on course to have helped generate more than £40m for the local economy by the time it marks its 30th anniversary edition in 2027.
Creative Scotland highlighted its importance by endorsing the festival earlier this month and securing its long term planning with a three year funding package. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses to partner the festival, including three year deals, are now available.
This year’s festival will take place from July 16 –19 in and around Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, combining world-class performances with the rich cultural heritage of the islands, and one of the most anticipated events of the UK’s festival season.
The multi-award winning Hebridean Celtic Festival, affectionately known by fans as HebCelt, has been a key feature in the cultural landscape of the Outer Hebrides since 1996. This internationally renowned event has a unique setting in the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis, the heartland of the Gaelic language and culture. Its welcoming and friendly atmosphere reflects the ethos of the dedicated team of volunteers who have created a festival with global appeal and a strong community identity. Among big names to have played previously and enjoyed the famous ‘HebCelt Bounce’ are Runrig, Van Morrison, Texas, Deacon Blue, The Proclaimers, Del Amitri and James. Last year around 17,800 people attended the event generating around £4.1m to the local economy and it is expected to have generated more than £40m in economic benefits locally by its 30th anniversary in 2027.
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