HebCelt Fest to celebrate Hebridean Women

The 21st HebCelt Festival based on Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th of July 2016 has announced 'Hebridean Women' will be the opening concert, featuring leading traditional Gaelic singers from different Hebridean islands, and will also start the programme of events hosted by An Lanntair arts centre.

'Hebridean Women’ will focus specifically on songs for and about women, and feature some of the female vocalists from the Outer Hebrides.

The project has been designed to encourage collaboration and promote the music and songs from the area, but also provide a ‘master and apprentice’ style of working, with singers chosen from all generations. This variation of the ongoing and ever-evolving show will feature Julie Fowlis, Mary Smith and Isobel Ann Martin, Cathy Ann MacPhee, and Kathleen MacInnes.

Alex Macdonald, head of performing arts and cinema at An Lanntair, said, "We felt HebCelt’s 21st birthday merited an extra special event. So, what better time to assemble this wonderful selection of island singers to perform together, particularly in the year that we are focusing on the Hebrides as a creative place."

On Thursday, 14 July, An Lanntair’s programme will also include a reprise of 'Atlantic Blast'. First produced in 2010 this show went on to Celtic Connections the following year and pays homage to the great piping traditions of Lewis, featuring Calum Alex Macmillan, Norrie MacIver, DC Macmillan, Stephen Drummond, and showcase some of the area’s most famous piping tunes whilst exploring the links between pipe music and song.

Friday will see Skipinnish perform, and it will be the turn of Eddi Reader on Saturday, 16 July.

HebCelt is also known for community concerts outside the main centre of Stornoway and a series of events in rural areas are being announced as part of its outreach programme.

Allison Lupton, and her band, from Ontario, will play at Breasclete in Lewis on Wednesday. They will also play the following night at The Old School Centre, Shawbost, Lewis, a new venue for HebCelt this year. Fara - already announced for the main festival arena - are at Seallam! Visitor Centre in Harris on Thursday.

Acts confirmed include Runrig, Braebach, Orphan Colours, Monticule, Miss Irenie Rose, Sam Garrett, Bunderland, The Sea Atlas, Spanish, Little Fire, Fiona Mackenzie and Brian O Headhra, Alan Frew, Amythyst Kiah, Julie Fowlis, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, King Creosote, Astrid, RURA, Blue Rose Code, Bella and The Bear, Hazey Janes, Rusty Shackle, Sink Ships, Urban Teuchtars, Whiskey Kiss, Hunter and The Bear, Woodenbox, Something Someone, Hayseed Dixie, John McCusker Band, Talisk, and Fara.

HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan, said, "Since forming in 2005 Breabach have gone on to become a huge hit around the globe. We are delighted they can join us this year. The other acts were are confirming today all bring something unique to the 21st party and are great additions to an already exciting line-up.."

As well as the music there's also a full programme of family entertainment, as well as a street arts programme with walkabout, workshops and fire shows.

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The prices range from £87 (£74 for concessions and £20 for children under 14 with under 5s going free) for the main arena events.

After Early Bird tickets sold out in record time, day tickets go on sale on Monday, 29th February. Prices are - Thursday £26 (concessions £22 and £9 for children aged 6-14) Friday £36 (£32 and £9) Saturday £42 (£36 and £10 for children) Under 6s go free but must have a ticket.

HebCelt organisers are also aiming to ease accommodation pressure in Stornoway by joining forces for the first time with Pitch Village to bring a new style of camping to the festival. Pitch Village will provide 50 tents initially – pre-pitched and fully-equipped - on a site at Willowglen, allowing festival goers the chance to pre-book accommodation for two to eight people. The site will also offer showers, toilets, storage facilities, phone charging and dedicated security.

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