CalMac will kick-start the party for music festival fans heading to Stornoway by bringing back the much-loved ‘HebCelt Ferry’ to celebrate this year’s Lewis spectacular with what have become among the most fun-packed sailings in the fleet.
The 386ft long MV Loch Seaforth, which can carry up to 700 passengers, will lend her name to the Outer Hebrides’ biggest music festival along with special on board ticket collection points, popular menus and even on-ship entertainment.
Some of CalMac’s crew will also be taking to the HebCelt stage including members of the Scottish-indie band El Sartel (pictured) – scheduled to perform their blend of infectious rhythms and melodies on the Island Stage on festival Friday.
Founding member Iain Wilson, who serves as a Third Officer with CalMac, and some of his bandmates found time on board one of the HebCelt Ferry’s sister ships to get in some rehearsals and said they couldn’t wait to entertain the festival crowds.
He said: “HebCelt has always been such a massive event and inspiration not just for ourselves coming through as a band but also the whole CalMac family and wider community, and this year’s is going to be no exception.
“We’re currently working hard on our debut album so to be performing alongside legends like Skerryvore, Lulu and Tidelines and so many other talented artists is really inspiring.
“Seeing the Loch Seaforth being rebadged as the ‘HebCelt Ferry’ again really is the icing on the cake, and is guaranteed to get the party started for the hundreds of people who’ll be travelling across for the festival.
“It’s not just one of the busiest times of the year, but also the most lively, with bands striking up a tune on board more often than not – it’s an amazing atmosphere. We’re over the moon to be a part of it this year.”
Carol Ferguson, HebCelt’s Operations Co-Ordinator, said: “It’s such an amazing sight for the ‘HebCelt Ferry’ sign to be one of the very first things that passengers see as they head aboard for what’s always a fun packed sailing.
“We’re thrilled that CalMac have returned the name this year, as having the ticket collection points on board for the Wednesday sailings and other things going really helps build towards both that sense of real occasion and community.
“The journey really has become a huge part of the festival experience over the years. When you see hundreds of people start streaming off the ferry and heading towards the festival site, they are grinning from ear to ear and the whole place comes alive.
“We’re always very grateful to the CalMac crew, colleagues and all those working at the port too, as well as the very many members who volunteer at the festival itself, and we look forward to welcoming them back again this year.”
This year’s line-up features headliners Lulu, Skerryvore and Tide Lines are joined by Eddi Reader, Nina Nesbitt, Trail West, Kassidy, Beluga Lagoon, Tom McGuire and The Brassholes, Alasdair White & Keith Morrison, Astro Bloc, Cala, Cassie and Maggie, Ciorstaidh Beaton, Donnie Dòtaman, Elias Alexander, El Sartel, Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich, Iona Mairead, Isla Scott, Josie Duncan, Laura Silverstone, Lauren Collier, LUSA, Madison Violet, Malin Lewis Trio, NATI., Ruairidh Gray, Samba Sene & Diwan, The Tumbling Souls, and TRIP. In the popular Ceilidh Tent, performances will include Tosh & Friends, Sam Cain, Emma, Spanish & Stephen Drummond, Sarah Helfrich, Corina, Arabella and Kathleen, and Jane Hepburn Macmillan.
Tickets for this year’s HebCelt Festival – which runs from 16 – 19 July – are on sale now.
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