HebCelt Festival launches new partnership with CalMac including return of HebCelt Ferry

Lewis, 23rd June 2026 HebCelt and CalMac have agreed a new sponsorship deal which will see the ferry operator transport giant marquees, equipment, and artists to Stornoway as an official travel partner for the festival’s 29th edition.

CalMac’s team of brand ambassadors will also be showcasing the festival on their social and marketing channels, supporting Gaelic language teams, and kicking off entertainment aboard the newly flagged HebCelt Ferry.

The partnership also allows the festival to minimise any use of alternative air freight as part of its prized environmental credentials, and keeps car miles down by encouraging music fans to travel as foot passengers.

Operations Co-ordinator Carol Ferguson said: “We have a long and special relationship with CalMac, their crews and teams right across the network, and we are delighted to have agreed a new partnership together.

“As an island festival we rely on our travel partners – and the weather – to ensure plain sailing for our event, and this will be a significant boost to what is always a team effort right across The Minch.

“For many, seeing the HebCelt Ferry sign and going aboard, hearing musicians strike a tune, going up on deck for the views, or tucking into a breakfast – or a CalMac ‘n’ Cheese – is a big part of the festival experience.

“This new deal is a significant boost to this year’s event, and we look forward to working with CalMac in delivering another very special summer of music.”

Fiona Galbraith, Area Manager for Hebrides North at CalMac, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to support the communities we serve, we recognise and appreciate the cultural significance of festivals like HebCelt.

“This event is enjoyed by locals and welcomes people who travel especially to Lewis to experience it. Our hard-working staff enjoy taking part in this fun, and the HebCelt Ferry is becoming a regular highlight in our calendar.”

This year’s festival takes place in Stornoway from 15 to 18 July, with headliners Manran, The Mary Wallopers and The Saw Doctors, joined by others including The Peatbog Faeries, Valtos, The Tumbling Souls, Fara and many more.

Tickets are available now at hebceltfest.com