The Hebridean Celtic Festival came of age in style by enjoying the most successful event in its 21-year history.
An estimated 18,000 people – by far the event’s highest audience – savoured four days of outstanding music in Stornoway and surrounding communities.
Scottish rock legends Runrig, who brought the festival to a close on Saturday night, led the praise for this year’s event, which brings a huge economic boost to the islands.
Keyboard player Brian Hurren said: “It was incredible. The crowd was unbelievable.
“It was so good to hear Runrig’s music played at home, it just comes alive like nowhere else. It was definitely one of the top gigs the band have ever done.”
The 21st HebCelt was the highest grossing festival in terms of sales, with tickets selling faster than at any time before and most shows were fully booked weeks in advance.
The festival also staged more than 70 hours of performances in the main arena, at An Lanntair arts centre in Stornoway and in rural venues in Lewis and Harris – making it the biggest programme ever, while onsite trading hugely increased on last year.
Festival director Caroline Maclennan said: “It has been a truly remarkable festival this year. We have broken all previous records. Our sales income smashed our target and broke all previous box office records from the last 21 years.
“Runrig are obviously a huge draw, especially in our unique setting in the Gaelic heartland, but we had a very strong and varied programme with a host of great artists on all four days.”
Over the four days Stornoway and the surrounding villages were crammed with visitors from across the UK, Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, filling hotels, guest houses and campsites in the area.
The local VisitScotland office made an appeal for locals to house festival-goers with accommodation at a premium.
