A ferry service in the north is to be transformed into a floating music venue in celebration of the Hebridean Celtic Festival’s return to the Western Isles.
Calmac Ferries will transform the vessel into a floating ceilidh to entertain thousands of festival goers descending on Stornoway.
During the festival, the ‘Loch Seaforth’ will be re-named the ‘HebCelt Ferry’ featuring a pop-up information and ticket office and themed menu in the restaurant.
Multiple music sessions will also be on board the two sailings from Ullapool to Stornoway on Wednesday 17 and Thursday July 18, featuring musicians including graduates from Fèis Rois’s performance group and the Kiltearn Fiddlers.
These alterations come as part of a three-year sponsorship deal with the world renowned festival creators offering a unique crossing to avid festival goers.
Festival Director Caroline Maclennan said: “CalMac has been an outstanding supporter of the festival for nearly all its 24 years and we are delighted we can rely on them for some time to come.
“The sight of ferries bringing in much of our audience and talent is such an important part of the week and having musicians playing on board seemed to be a natural extension of the festival.”
Andrew Macnair, CalMac’s head of marketing added: “It’s great for us to continue our long-standing relationship with the festival and help it grow. By volunteering this year we will get a chance to be even more involved and support an event that means so much to the communities we serve.”
Meanwhile, dynamic duo Hudson Taylor are preparing for their debut performance at this year’s HebCelt on the back of their highly successful American tour.
Siblings Alfie and Harry Hudson-Taylor first found fame after a video of them busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street went viral on Youtube, pioneering them on their whirlwind career.
The duo will take to the stage on Saturday alongside artists The Shires and Jake Morrell.
