Hebridean Celtic Festival called off in £2m blow to Stornoway economy

The Hebridean Celtic Festival, which has brought acts like The Proclaimers, The Waterboys, KT Tunstall and Van Morrison to the Isle of Lewis, has been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic and the new restrictions on travel to the islands.

The Hebridean Celtic Festival is worth more than £2 million to the economy of the Isle of Lewis each year. Picture: Paul McGinley.

Organisers said the four-day event in Stornoway, which attracts an 18,000-strong attendance, they had been "left with no choice" but to make this heart-breaking decision ahead of the 25th annual festival.

Texas, Robert Plant, Tide Lines, Skerryvore, Seasick Stave and Julie Fowlis were all lined up to appear at the 2020 festival, the biggest music festival staged in the Outer Hebrides each year.

The event, which is estimated to be worth more than £2 million to the island's economy each summer, has been cancelled days in the wake of pleas from the Scottish Government for avoid non-essential travel to the Highlands and Islands.

The Hebridean Celtic Festival attracts an audience of around 18,000 each year. Picture: Colin Cameron.

Organisers of events and festivals across the country had previously been told to cancel gatherings of more than 500 people to help reduce pressure on the emergency services.

A statement from the festival, which was named Scotland's best cultural event at VisitScotland's Thistle Awards in 2018, said: "It is with deep regret and sorrow that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and various movement restrictions imposed to the islands, that we have been forced to make the decision to postpone HebCelt’s 25th anniversary until 2021.

"Whilst it is hugely disappointing to make this announcement, we hope all will understand that we can’t take any chances with the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community, and the many visitors the festival attracts.

"By postponing our event, we still hope to bring this year’s outstanding programme forward and are in discussions with artists in order to gauge the possibilities in this regard.

"Everyone who has already bought a ticket for this year’s festival, can be rest assured that their ticket money is safe. We will be contacting all ticket buyers in the next few days to arrange either rollover to 2021 or full refund of their order.

"We have been left with no choice but to make this heart-breaking decision, and we are well aware that it will have a serious effect on our community and everyone who works to stage a fantastic festival each year.

"However, as well as protecting the health of all involved, this decision now also makes it more possible for us to protect the future of HebCelt and ensure it is enjoyed for years to come.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment that this announcement will cause and we thank everyone for their understanding, love and support of the festival.”