One of Scotland’s best loved music festivals has three reasons to celebrate after HebCelt secured a hat trick of nominations at the National Outdoor Events Association Awards 2026.
The Isle of Lewis festival has been shortlisted for Regional Event of the Year and Best Accessibility and Inclusion Initiative, while its Operations Coordinator, Carol Ferguson, has been recognised in the Best Unsung Heroine category.
The nominations are a welcome recognition for a festival that has grown into an important celebration of island music, culture and community over almost three decades.
Held in Stornoway, HebCelt has earned a reputation for bringing together established performers, emerging talent and audiences from across Scotland and beyond, while keeping its island identity firmly at its heart.
For the team behind the festival, the recognition is particularly meaningful because it celebrates not only the music but also the people who make the event possible.
Carol Ferguson said:
“These three nominations mean so much to us.
“We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud of everyone who makes our festival what it is.
“HebCelt is so much more than three days of music, it is a celebration of our islands, our culture, our community and the people who make it all happen, so to make the Regional shortlist is incredibly special.
“Being nominated for Best Accessibility and Inclusion Initiative is particularly poignant for us and is an area that is incredibly close to our hearts.
“We are continually striving to make HebCelt more accessible and inclusive across every aspect of the festival, from our programming and volunteering opportunities to the experience of our audience.
“For me, personally, to be nominated has come as such an amazing surprise.
“But we simply couldn’t do what we do without all the incredible people who give their time, energy and passion to our festival and, of course, our amazing audience.”
The recognition for accessibility reflects the festival’s continuing efforts to make the HebCelt experience welcoming to as many people as possible, including those who might otherwise face barriers to attending or taking part.
Meanwhile, Carol’s individual nomination shines a light on the considerable work that takes place away from the stage, where planning, coordination and volunteer support are essential to delivering a successful festival.
Other Scottish names appearing among this year’s nominees include the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and Tiree Festival.
The National Outdoor Events Association represents the outdoor events industry across the UK, working with governments and organisers on issues including accessibility, sustainability, safety and innovation.
Announcing its shortlist, the association said:
“Together with categories recognising safety, innovation, education and unsung individuals, the 2026 shortlist puts the spotlight on an industry whose achievements reach from the international stage to the heart of local life.”
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Bath on Wednesday 25 November 2026.
The nominations come as HebCelt prepares for another important milestone, with its 30th anniversary edition scheduled to take place from 14 to 17 July 2027.
Tickets and payment plans for next summer’s celebrations are already available at hebceltfest.com
Whatever happens at the awards ceremony, the three nominations offer recognition of what HebCelt has achieved for the Outer Hebrides and the people whose enthusiasm has kept the festival thriving.
