Scottish pop icon Lulu is set to headline this year’s HebCelt Festival, which will feature a strong female presence, with 70% of the acts being female-led or including female members.
Organizers have ensured at least a 50:50 gender balance at the festival since 2014, pushing for greater representation in an industry often criticized for male-dominated line-ups.
Joining Lulu in Stornoway, Lewis, this July will be singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt, who recently toured with Snow Patrol, and Brit Award-winning musician Eddi Reader.
More than 30 performances have been confirmed, with the total number of acts expected to exceed 40 once fringe events are finalized.
Lulu, known for hits like Shout and Relight My Fire with Take That, expressed excitement about visiting the Western Isles for the festival.
The legendary singer previously headlined Glastonbury last year.
Local artist Josie Duncan, who will perform with her band at HebCelt, shared her amazement at sharing a stage with music icons. “I can hardly believe that Lulu is going to be in Stornoway. Maybe we will see her in the pub,” she told BBC Naidheachdan.
Duncan also praised the festival’s commitment to gender balance, hoping other events would follow suit.
HebCelt’s artist programmer and director, Michelle Shields, highlighted the festival’s diverse musical representation across generations, from pioneers like Lulu and Eddi Reader to emerging talents such as Nati, Josie Duncan, and Lauren Collier.
Other notable acts on this year’s line-up include Scottish Celtic rock band Skerryvore, celebrating their 20th anniversary, along with Tide Lines, Beluga Lagoon, Samba Sene and Diwan, Trail West, and Tom McGuire and the Brassholes.
HebCelt, first held in 1996, has hosted major headliners over the years, including Runrig, The Fratellis, The Proclaimers, and KT Tunstall.
This year’s festival will take place from July 16 to 19, continuing its tradition of celebrating music and cultural diversity.
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