Scotland’s International Music Festival ‘HebCelt’ Cancelled In 2021

The HebCelt music festival will not continue in 2021, organizers say.

The summer event is over 20 years old and the biggest Western Isles festival.

Organizers had hoped to hold the postponed HebCelt of 2020 this year, but said the pandemic continues to bring up major challenges.

Statement Of Festival Organizers

A “hybrid” festival featuring some live performances and “different digital content” is now being planned instead.

The organizers said “with great regret” they decided to cancel and will give a full refund for tickets.

They said: “While vaccinations may bring some return to normality at some point this year, that is looking increasingly like it will not happen in time for us to safely put in place the kind of HebCelt we recognise.

“We are truly sorry to be sharing this news with you all and the utter disappointment is shared by all of us here on the team.

“We thank everyone for their understanding, love and support of the festival.”

Revenue From The Festival

The HebCelt was first organized in 1996 and is based in Stornoway in Lewis.

Acts over the years have included Deacon Blue, KT Tunstall, Niteworks, The Shires, Newton Faulkner and Tide Lines.

An economic study in 2015 suggested that the festival generated £ 20m for the Scottish economy in its first 20 years.

The planners calculate the economic impact by looking at what is being done at bars, restaurants and fine restaurants and the money spent on hotel and transportation.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the Highlands festival – Belladrum – said they were still hoping to host the event this year.

Bella, held on the Belladrum Estate near Beauly, usually takes place in early August. Last year’s event did not go ahead.

Optimism

“The safety of our audience, staff, artists and local community are our number one priority and we will be working alongside and following all government and local authority guidance as this evolves over the coming months.

“We fully appreciate that with the ever evolving nature of the Covid-19 pandemic there is a chance that Belladrum may not be able to go ahead, however, at this moment in time we remain positive and thank you all for your continued support.”