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Hebridean music festival 'generated £4.4m' for island economy

BBC A free standing board advertising HebCelt festival. It's painted brown, green and blue and the name of the festival is cut out in large letters. A sunny day in the background. BBC
HebCelt in Stornoway attracts thousands to Lewis each year

This year's HebCelt music festival generated £4.4m for Isle of Lewis' economy, according to a new report.

The four-day event in July was described the "most successful ever", with more than 18,500 people flocking to Stornoway to watch artists including Lulu, Skerryvore and Eddi Reader.

Organisers said their economic impact report suggested this year's festival contributed £400,000 more than 2024, with people who travelled to the event staying an average of 7.8 days and spending about £1,025 each.

Chairman Iain Macphail said success was "more than economics", highlighting job creation, skills training and partnerships with local suppliers.

Organisers said this year's HebCelt had 17,218 paying ticket holders among those who attended.

The event first began 28 years ago and doubles the population of the Lewis town.

Scottish pop icon Lulu headlined this year, with other favourites including Skerryvore, Tide Lines, Nina Nesbitt and Eddi Reader.

This year's festival also had a heavy focus on female talent, with 70% of the billing made up by female artists, including locals Josie Duncan and Isla Scott.