Star performers from the 24th instalment of the HebCelt festival have praised the event after it went off without a hitch last weekend.
The event brought its usual carnival atmosphere to Lewis, with thousands descending on the island for the event – doubling the population of Stornoway over the course of the weekend.
Each year the event is estimated to contribute £2million to the local economy, with more than half of the 18,000 audience heading to the island specifically for the event.
In total more than 30 acts performed at the event, including multi-million-selling singer-songwriter KT Tunstall who returned to the festival for the first time since 2011.
She said: “It is eight years since the last time I was here and it was even better this time. I absolutely loved it and the crowd were incredible.”
The star – who praised the festival for its 50/50 gender balancing line up – also lauded the festival for being at the forefront of environmentally-conscious efforts.
She added: “Massive props to HebCelt for this, it deserves an award. It’s still a major problem, and definitely part of the reason why I wanted to play with an all-female band.”
Fellow performer Newton Faulkner added: “This was literally the most beautiful gig I’ve ever done. It was an amazing crowd as well, all jumping and shouting and singing and stuff. I had a really good time.”
HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan said: “The festival programme, both in and around Stornoway and across our community, was really well received. Audiences were exceptional and we have had some wonderful feedback from artists and festival-goers alike.
“HebCelt is such a force for good economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
“A big thank you to our community and everyone who is involved in making this a special event in such a wonderful part of the world.”
