Monday, May 1st 2006, will see festival tickets available to book online via www.hebceltfest.com  and the festival hotline: 01851 621234. All major credit cards and Switch are accepted (except American Express and Diners Club). It is likely phone lines will be very busy so your patience is appreciated.

To meet the needs of those who prefer to make their bookings over the counter, the Festival Office at Church Street, Stornoway will open this year from the 20th May, on Saturdays only, between 10am and 4pm until 24th June when it opens full time.

Caroline MacLennan, Festival Director, said: "We have had a high level of interest from around the world in tickets for this year's festival and we are pleased to now be offering guaranteed bookings.

"Last year we were very disappointed to have to turn away potential festival-goers because we had no tickets left and we really urge people to book early and avoid the same happening this year."

Finally we are delighted to be able to offer our continued support to local all-girl band Teine by making their new CD available for sale through the festival website - more information from http://www.hebceltfest.com/merchandise/.  As this is currently only available locally, for those who stay off-island this is an ideal opportunity to capture some of the magic of this terrific young Lewis band who also feature during festival week.