HEBCELTFEST 2010

BBC ALBA WILL CELEBRATE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEBCELTFEST 2010 WITH TWO EXCUSIVE PROGRAMMES

Exclusive coverage of the highly coveted HebCeltFest 2010 music festival will continue for a second year running as BBC ALBA announced details of its broadcast package.

BBC ALBA will provide two special one hour programmes from this year’s festival taking place in Stornoway from 14 – 17 July, which is proving extremely popular with festival-goers.

Ticket sales are indicting that this is one of the most popular festival so far in its 15 year history and with Saturday night being a sell out, the only way for those without a ticket to enjoy some of the best performances throughout the festival will be on BBC ALBA.

The two, one hour music specials covering the multi venue event will include performances from the main stage in the big tent, the An Lanntair stage and from fringe activities and will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Saturday 17 and Saturday 24 July at 9pm. Award winning presenter Niall Iain Macdonald will introduce both programme from Lews Castle Green.

BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. The two programmes will also be repeated on Friday 23 at 10.10pm and Friday 30 at 10pm and will be available to view via the BBC iPlayer.

The programmes will provide special features and interviews with Julie Fowlis who is performing on the main stage on the Friday; coverage from Thursday night’s performance from Afro Celt Sound System whose inspiration stems from both Irish and African traditions; Adrian Edmondson & the Bad Shepherds who’s unique style is playing punk songs on folk instruments; as well as the Treacherous Orchestra who will be taking Scottish dance music into a thrilling new dimension during their appearance; along with many more performances and interviews from festival week.

Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “We are delighted to be broadcasting two very exciting programmes from this year’s HebCeltFest 2010. The festival, showcasing the best of Scottish and international talent, is one of the most popular among devoted festival goers throughout the country as well as world-wide with visitors attending from countries as far away as the USA, Canada and Australia.

“With this year’s special anniversary, we are pleased to be offering the festival to a wider audience through our coverage enabling them to enjoy the best from this unique event.”

Murdo MacLennan, Chairman of HebCeltFest said: “Our 15th year is a particularly important milestone for us when we can celebrate the many achievements of the past 15 years. We are delighted that BBC ALBA viewers will be able to join us to share in the excitement and some of the best moments of this special festival.”