Internationally renowned country duo The Shires are preparing to take to the HebCelt stage for the first time.
Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle both began as solo artists trying to make their way in the music industry, living around 20 miles away from each other.
After converting to country music, Mr Earle launched a frantic social media appeal in 2013 for a female singer, leading to the pair joining forces and becoming The Shires; going onto become music royalty in both the UK and Nashville.
Now six years on, the dynamic duo are preparing to perform as a headlining act at the world-renowned festival in July, marking their first performance in the Scottish Isles.
Speaking of their upcoming show, the pair are aiming to bring “the fun and energy” to the festival as it enters its 24th year.
Miss Rhodes said: “Our sole purpose is to have a great time. We want to spread happiness and make everyone forget their normal day life and live in the moment with us.
“We will bring the fun and energy and we request you just make some memories which will include throwing your hands in the air and singing as loud as you can with us. We can’t wait to be right there with you all.”
The Shires will joined a star-studded line-up featuring 12 acts from across the UK, including Gaelic singer Kim Carnie and six-piece band Beinn Lee from the Western Isles.
The festival – which will kick off from July 18 – is being sponsored by Lewis Wind Power for a fifth successful year.
The Stornoway Wind Farm developer fits in well with the festival’s environmentally-friendly ethos, for which they have won several awards for.
HebCelt Director Caroline Maclennan said: “We are extremely grateful to Lewis Wind Power for continuing their generous support for a fifth successive year. This significant ongoing partnership allows us to put together another very strong Islands Stage programme.”
