HebCelt 2025 generated a record £4.4 million for the Outer Hebrides economy, up from both 2024 and 2023, with 17,218 paying attendees.

Festival attendees stayed an average of 7.8 days and spent about £1,025 each, with 81% spent locally, amplifying long-term economic impact.

Over the last three years, HebCelt has sold 54,567 tickets, reinforcing its status as the third-largest traditional music festival in Scotland after TRNSMT and Belladrum.

Festival operations coordinator Carol Ferguson emphasized delivering a safe, sustainable, and inspiring experience for audiences, sponsors, and partners while growing the festival.

She also highlighted the broader economic and community benefits beyond ticket sales, stressing local procurement and community involvement.

Environmental initiatives included hydrogen-powered lighting towers, a temporary solar-powered grid, solar/battery storage, and extensive recycling, with 62% of waste recycled and a 4% year-over-year reduction in landfill.

More than 25,000 reusable cups were issued, underscoring the festival’s commitment to sustainability.

Organisers credited growth to upgrades such as revamped bars, contactless payments, improved family areas, pop-up box offices, and new sponsorship deals.

This year’s lineup emphasized female talent, with 70% of billed artists being women and featuring local acts Josie Duncan and Isla Scott.

The festival took place in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, featuring acts like Lulu, Tide Lines, and Skerryvore, plus ceilidhs, Gaelic sessions, and family-friendly shows.

In 2025, 44 bands performed over four days, with 79% of acts featuring female performers and 43% based in the Outer Hebrides.

Chair Iain Macphail highlighted sustainable growth, job creation, skills training, and collaborations with local partners and suppliers as core benefits beyond the immediate economic impact.