The Hebridean Celtic Festival – Western Isles, Scotland 2026
Overview
The Hebridean Celtic Festival 2026, or HebCelt, is a vibrant celebration of Celtic music and Gaelic culture, set in the stunning Lews Castle Grounds of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Since 1996, this multi-award-winning festival has drawn global audiences with its blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic sounds, showcasing local talent alongside international stars, all within a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere that reflects the islands’ rich heritage.
Spanning four days, HebCelt offers a diverse program across multiple venues, from the main festival arena to intimate town events, complemented by ceilidh dances, family concerts, and late-night festival clubs. With a strong commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and the preservation of Gaelic language and traditions, it’s a cultural homecoming that invites visitors to connect deeply with the Hebridean spirit.
Event Highlights
- Main Performances: A mix of Celtic legends and emerging artists across three stages in the Lews Castle Grounds, with past acts like Skerryvore and Julie Fowlis; 2026 lineup to be announced, featuring folk, trad, and contemporary Celtic music.
- Special Features: Late-night ceilidh dances and festival club at An Lanntair arts centre, community events like Breasclete Community Hall’s Wednesday concert near the Callanish Stones, and family-friendly morning concerts at Town Hall.
- Unique Attractions: Gaelic language workshops, local food stalls with Hebridean specialties, and eco-focused ‘Site Greening’ initiatives, including reusable cup schemes and support for Macmillan Cancer Care through cup donations.
About This Event
- An annual four-day festival since 1996, held in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, celebrating Celtic music and Gaelic culture.
- Organized by the Hebridean Celtic Festival Trust, a volunteer-led charity supporting local heritage and community.
- Welcomes all ages, with under-18s requiring adult supervision (21+); no age restrictions for daytime events.
- Features three main stages in the festival arena (capacity 5,000), plus off-site venues like An Lanntair and community halls.
- Supports local charities and sustainability through partnerships and initiatives like the Real Living Wage commitment.
- Offers diverse events, including free community concerts and paid late-night ceilidhs, fostering inclusivity and cultural pride.
Why Attend
HebCelt 2026 is a soul-stirring journey to the heart of the Outer Hebrides, where the haunting melodies of Celtic music meet the rugged beauty of Lewis’ landscapes, creating an intimate festival experience unlike any other. Whether you’re swaying to traditional fiddles in the castle grounds or joining a lively ceilidh under the stars, the event’s warm, community-focused vibe makes every visitor feel like an islander, connecting through shared music and heritage.
Beyond the performances, HebCelt’s dedication to Gaelic culture, sustainability, and accessibility ensures a meaningful experience—learn a few Gaelic phrases, savor local seafood, or explore nearby Callanish Stones while supporting eco and charity efforts. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or cultural explorers, this festival offers a rare chance to immerse in a living tradition while making lifelong memories in a breathtaking setting.
Date & Duration
- Dates: July 15 – July 18, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- City: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Main Venue: Lews Castle Grounds, a picturesque 19th-century estate with three stages on a greenfield site, a 10-minute walk from Stornoway town center.
- Additional Venues: An Lanntair arts centre (harbor-front, for concerts and late-night events), Breasclete Community Hall (West Lewis, near Callanish Stones), Town Hall (family concerts), and Hebrides People Visitor Centre (South Harris, for cultural events).
- Notable Areas: Main arena with accessible viewing platforms, food stalls, and bars; An Lanntair’s restaurant with harbor views; community halls for intimate gigs.
- Google Maps Address: Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS2 0XP, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via hebceltfest.com (no booking fees); weekend arena tickets cover Thursday–Saturday main stage access; separate tickets for An Lanntair concerts and late-night events; collection in Stornoway from June 2026.
- Admission Type: Paid (some community events are free).
- Ticket Pricing Range: $80 USD (minimum) – $200 USD (maximum).
- Special Seating/VIP Options: Free companion tickets for disabled attendees (with eligible benefits like PIP or DLA); accessible viewing platforms (pre-book required); no formal VIP but concessions for students, Young Scot cardholders, pensioners, and unwaged.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.
Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: office@hebceltfest.com (general inquiries); sales@hebceltfest.com (tickets); accessibility@hebceltfest.com (access support).
- Phone: +44 7498 527749 (English available, office hours).
- Website: https://www.hebceltfest.com (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @hebceltfest (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter), Hebridean Celtic Festival (YouTube).
- Key Staff: Not specified; contact Hebridean Celtic Festival Trust via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Email media@hebceltfest.com (press); volunteer applications via office@hebceltfest.com (open early 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English and Gaelic support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Stornoway Airport (SYY), 2 miles from venue, with Loganair flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Manchester.
- Ferry Travel: Caledonian MacBrayne ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway (2.5 hours, pre-book essential); inter-island routes from Skye to Harris or Barra to South Uist; parking at Ullapool school with HebCelt signage.
- Public Transport: Scottish Citylink buses from Inverness to Ullapool (book ahead); local buses from Stornoway Bus Station (01851 704327) sync with ferry times; trains to Inverness or Oban then bus/ferry.
- Parking: No on-site parking; accessible parking at UHI car park (400m away, pre-book); limited wheelchair-only spaces in arena (email to reserve); vehicle curfew 11 PM–12 AM nightly.
- Other: HebCelt shuttle SUV for accessibility (free, on-demand from UHI car park); Liftshare for carpooling; yacht pontoons via Stornoway Port Authority (01851 702688).
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: The Royal Hotel Stornoway (0.5 miles, harbor views) or Cabarfeidh Hotel (1 mile, luxury option).
- Airbnb: Cozy cottages and flats in Stornoway or rural Lewis/Harris, ideal for groups or cultural immersion.
- Camping: No on-site camping; nearby Laxdale Holiday Park (2 miles) or Eilean Fraoich Campsite (5 miles); book early for festival week.
- Booking Tip: Reserve accommodations early via VisitScotland or festival site for deals; ferries and local stays fill fast in July.
Reviews
- A magical blend of Celtic tunes and island warmth—felt like family from day one!
- Stunning castle grounds and epic ceilidhs; food stalls were a highlight with local flavors.
- So welcoming for all ages, loved the Gaelic workshops and easy access to everything!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What types of tickets are available for HebCelt 2026, and what do they cover?
Weekend arena tickets ($80–$200 USD) cover Thursday–Saturday access to three stages in Lews Castle Grounds, with concessions for students, Young Scot cardholders (18–26), pensioners, disabled (PIP/DLA), and unwaged. Separate tickets are needed for An Lanntair concerts, late-night ceilidhs (10:30 PM, 18+), and community events like Breasclete Hall. No single ticket covers all venues due to multi-site setup. Early bird weekend tickets are sold out; general release TBA. Book online at hebceltfest.com with no fees; bring booking ID for June 2026 collection in Stornoway. Free companion tickets for eligible disabled attendees—email office@hebceltfest.com with proof.
How accessible is the festival for people with disabilities?
HebCelt prioritizes inclusivity with pre-booked accessible viewing platforms at the main and islands stages, reachable via tarmacked paths, and a free shuttle SUV from UHI car park (400m) for those with mobility needs. Wheelchair-accessible toilets and companion tickets (for PIP/DLA recipients) are available—email accessibility@hebceltfest.com to arrange. Volunteer escorts assist between stages; An Lanntair has lift access and disabled parking. The greenfield site may be uneven in wet weather, so bring suitable equipment. Assistance dogs welcome (notify in advance). Lighting effects like strobes may be used, noted in FAQs for sensory planning.
What food and drink options are available, and can I bring my own?
The festival arena offers a catering area with Hebridean specialties, vegan/gluten-free options, soft drinks, teas, coffees, and full bars (contactless payments, cash, or old drink tokens accepted in 2025—last year for tokens). Drinks require a £2 reusable cup (refundable or donatable to Macmillan Cancer Care). Outside food and sealed soft drinks (no glass) are allowed; alcohol is confiscated. An Lanntair and community venues have bars and late-night snacks. Prices range from $5–$15 USD. Local vendors emphasize sustainability. Check the site map for locations and dietary accommodations.
How do I get to the festival, and what are the transport options?
Fly to Stornoway Airport (2 miles) via Loganair from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, then taxi/bus to the venue. Ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway (CalMac, 2.5 hours, book at calmac.co.uk) are popular; park at Ullapool school (follow HebCelt signs). Citylink buses from Inverness connect to ferries; trains to Inverness then bus. Local buses sync with ferries (timetables at cne-siar.gov.uk). No on-site parking; accessible UHI spaces (pre-book) or walk from town (10 mins). Liftshare carpooling saves costs—join via festival site. A nightly 11 PM curfew delays car exits for safety.
What are the late-night activities, and how do I access them?
Late-night ceilidhs and festival club at An Lanntair (10:30 PM start, 18+) feature trad music, guest artists, and surprise sets, with separate tickets due to high demand (prices TBD, historically $20–$40 USD). Bars serve drinks and snacks, subject to licensing. Community events like Breasclete’s Wednesday concert offer intimate vibes near Callanish Stones. Arena music ends ~11:30 PM; gates close at 10 PM, so plan re-entry (wristbands required). Under-18s need adult supervision. Check hebceltfest.com for program updates in spring 2026. Book early, as An Lanntair’s 260-capacity sells out fast.
