Lewis, 16th July 2026 Scots supergroup Mànran, FARA, and Peatbog Faeries kicked-off HebCelt Festival in the Stornoway sunshine on Thursday – joined by an all-star cast of celebrities.
Traitors winner Stephen Libby and swimming champion Kara Hanlon received a massive welcome when they emerged onto the main stage with the King’s Baton ahead of its epic journey to Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games next week.
Pacific crossing record breakers The Maclean Brothers also joined the fun having rowed across The Minch from Ullapool overnight for the event – the very first time they had managed the journey in three attempts.
Thousands of people joined the opening night which was heralded with a parade beforehand featuring Stornoway’s pipe bands and a guard of honour by the local shinty team to welcome The King’s Baton Relay squad and bearers at the gates.
The baton – which includes a handwritten message by the King ahead of the Commonwealth Games – had been winched off CalMac’s MV Loch Seaforth on its crossing from Ullapool the previous evening to the excitement of passengers.
It was then safely received in Stornoway by Kara and Stephen, who later paraded it on stage with Gary Innes and Mànran after the first five songs, including a giant selfie with the crowd.
Grinning Stephen said: “I’ve been coming to HebCelt now since I was a wee boy, so to be part of this year’s festival in a small way, but in a very special way, is a real pinch me moment. I really cannot believe this is happening to me, and for this to be done on home turf is just really special.”
A delighted Kara said: “HebCelt has been a huge part of my upbringing every summer, with friends and family. It’s an amazing event for the community, everyone loves it, there’s different acts each year, they keep it new and fresh and more and more and people want to come here.
“It’s such an exciting event, and it’s in Scotland again, so what’s not to be happy about. It’s an absolute honour.”
She added: “I represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and I just missed out this year, and I’ve actually just retired from the sport, so this is a perfect way of rounding off everything I’ve achieved in my career.”
The Maclean Brothers had set off to finally conquer The Minch crossing the previous night, cheekily asking HebCelt if they could join. Festival organisers promised them a pint if they made it in time, and duly delivered in front of the spectacular Lews Castle.
Lachlan said: “We just can’t wait to see some of our favourite bands – Valtos are a big favourite of all three of us, Mec Lir, Peatbog Faeries, Beinn Lee is going to be epic, and Manran.”
Ewan added: “We’re so excited we made it – because there was a good chance we weren’t going to make it to be honest, because we’ve been turned back before – but we’re here.”
Other events throughout the day included family concerts in the town hall, Highland dancing in the town centre, live street performances, a circus, and late night ceilidh. Old Man Luedecke, Beinn Lee, Corina Macinnes and Alice Macmillan also performed.
Friday’s line-up includes The Mary Wallopers, Valtos, Heisk, The Tumbling Souls and Sean Harrison and Band, alongside Colin Macleod, Kirsten Adamson and Emberline.
Limited tickets are still on sale at hebceltfest.com
