HebCelt festival hails 'most successful' year ever

The festival in Stornoway attracts thousands of revellers to Lewis each year

Organisers of the HebCelt music festival have hailed its "most successful year ever" after more than 18,500 fans made their way to Stornoway last weekend.

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.

Lulu performed on Friday night at HebCelt

Iain Macphail, who chairs the festival, said: "Stornoway and the entire Isle of Lewis can be rightfully proud of what the festival family has achieved together.

"It's been the most successful festival in our history and is a testament to all those who have worked, volunteered and supported us in building what is essentially a pop-up village to deliver a best in class, internationally-renowned event."

Last year, the festival was estimated to have generated £4.2m towards the local economy.

HebCelt is now the third biggest music festival in Scotland behind TRNSMT and Belladrum, which takes place next weekend.

Next year's HebCelt festival will take place between 15 and 18 July.

2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of the festival