For the second year in succession the Hebridean Celtic Festival has been selected as one of the top 10 UK summer festivals by an influential publication.

World music magazine Songlines, which features artists from around the globe, has chosen HebCelt as the only Scottish festival in its 2012 list.

The four-day event, based in Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis, will be held from 11-14 July and will feature headliners The Waterboys, The Proclaimers and Kassidy.

Jo Frost, editor of Songlines, said: "Congratulations to HebCelt for being selected for a second consecutive year in the Songlines round-up of the Top 10 UK summer festivals.

“HebCelt has consistently programmed a good mixture of established and up and coming folk acts which fits well within Songlines' editorial coverage." 

The festival, now in its 17th year, has its two main stages in the spectacular setting in front of Lews Castle in Stornoway, with performances also in An Lanntair arts centre and in rural parts of Lewis and Harris.

It attracts fans from the USA, Australia, Germany, France, Spain and Norway every year when the audience far outnumbers the 10,000 population of its host town.

Festival Director, Caroline MacLennan, said “This recognition from Songlines is great news, particularly as it is the second year in a row we have made the Top 10.

“HebCelt’s unique setting and great blend of music already help us attract people from many parts of the world and this further enhances our reputation as a must-see event.”

Joining HebCelt in the Top 10 are:

Africa Oyé (Liverpool)
Big Session Festival (South Derbyshire)
Cambridge Folk Festival
Larmer Tree Festival (near Salisbury)
Latitude Festival (Suffolk)
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Rhythms of the World (Hertfordshire)
Shrewsbury Folk Festival
WOMAD Charlton Park (Wiltshire)

Meanwhile, HebCelt is receiving further overseas exposure by featuring on VisitBritain's international media site

The 17th HebCelt takes place between 11th and 14th July 2012 and will, for the second year running, have two main stages on the Castle Green in front of the Lews Castle in Stornoway, as well  as performances in An Lanntair and throughout the rural community.Tickets on sale HERE