Lewis, 1st June 2026

HebCelt Festival will welcome the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games The King’s Baton Relay team to Stornoway for a blockbuster opening night in July. 

Officials confirmed that the festival will be a key destination for the relay on July 16 as it tours its way across the country ahead of the global celebrations. 

Full details are still under wraps, but the occasion promises to be a jewel in the crown for this year’s opening ceremony. 

Crowds are expected in Stornoway for the event on Thursday night, where live acts on the bill include Corina MacInnes, Alice MacMillan, Beinn Lee, Old Man Luedecke, FARA, The Peatbog Faeries, and headliners Mànran.

Festival Chair Iain MacPhail said: “To have The King’s Baton Relay visit Lewis and play a part in opening HebCelt is a tremendous honour, and one that we do not take lightly.

“The Commonwealth Games is a celebration of sport, community and culture, and those are values that sit at the very heart of what HebCelt is all about. It feels entirely fitting that the baton should find its way to Lewis – a place where community and culture have always gone hand in hand.

“We cannot wait to welcome the baton, the baton bearers, and everyone who will share in what promises to be an unforgettable moment for this island.”

The baton relay – which is travelling through communities across Scotland between 1 and 23 July as part of the build-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – was secured thanks to an invitation extended by festival Operations Co-ordinator Carol Ferguson.

She said: “This is something that will live long in the memory for everyone who witnesses it.

“It will be a spine-tingling event, and speaks to what this festival and this island are all about – community, celebration and a very warm welcome to the world.

“We are so incredibly lucky to have some amazing guests too which we’ll announce soon, blazing a trail for the island on what promises to be an incredible night. 

“We cannot wait.”

Starting on 1 July at the Team Scotland Team Camp in Glasgow, the Baton will attend over 50 events and festivals to celebrate Team Scotland, Scottish sport, the Commonwealth, Scottish culture and the Games. 

As well as HebCelt, the July include Luss Highland Games (4), Glasgow Mela Festival (5) Scottish Open (8), Orkney (11), and the British National Mountain Biking Championships (19).

Team Scotland gymnast Pavel Karnejenko was on hand with Glasgow 2026 mascot Finnie and Glasgow school kids at Dumfries House to announce the KBR activity. 

Pavel said: “It’s always a privilege to compete for Team Scotland knowing that you could be entertaining and inspiring the next generation of athletes.  Competing in a Home Games is something special, and The King’s Baton Relay will help build the excitement across the country ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

“As an athlete, knowing the whole country is behind you gives that extra motivation in training and competition, and hopefully the Baton will help feed that anticipation and support.” 

Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “I’m very pleased that, as part of a spectacular summer of sport, Scottish Government funding of £245,000 will help bring the King’s Baton Relay to communities across the country – celebrating on a global stage what makes Scotland unique.

“As well as the major events, the free community events which complement them are a real opportunity for people to show their support for Team Scotland and the Games, as they gather to get active, connect with others, and improve wellbeing across the country.”

Martin Reynolds, Deputy CEO, Commonwealth Sport, said: ”The King’s Baton Relay is one of the most iconic traditions of the Commonwealth Games, bringing people together in celebration of sport, community and the shared values of the Commonwealth.

“As the Baton travels across Scotland this July, it will build excitement for Glasgow 2026 while also shining a light on important initiatives such as the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, using the power of sport to inspire positive change.

“We’re delighted to see communities across the country come together as we count down to what promises to be a spectacular Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”

Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “The Scottish sector of the King’s Baton Relay is a key milestone in the build-up to Glasgow 2026. 

“With athletes coming from all parts of the country, we cherish the responsibility of representing the whole nation through Team Scotland, and the KBR gives us the opportunity to bring the Games out to communities across Scotland.

“We look forward to visiting a host of wonderful gatherings in the build-up to the Games’ Opening Ceremony.”

George Black CBE, Chair at Glasgow 2026, said: “The King’s Baton Relay is a really special moment on the road to Glasgow 2026, and this reimagined approach means we can connect with more communities than ever before. By bringing the Baton to major festivals, events and community initiatives across the country, we’re giving more people the chance to feel part of the Games in a meaningful and memorable way.

“The strong focus on sustainability and youth engagement throughout this final leg of the King’s Baton Relay is particularly powerful, reinforcing the positive legacy not only of the Baton itself, but of the Glasgow 2026 Games as a whole.”

This year’s festival takes place in Stornoway from 15 to 18 July. The Mary Wallopers and The Saw Doctors join Manran as headliners, with island talent including The Tumbling Souls, Isla Scott, Emberline, Colin Macleod, Sean Harrison and Band, and others.

For tickets, visit hebceltfest.com.