UK to be country partner for Hornbill Festival 2025

DIMAPUR — Nagaland government and the British Council on Monday renewed their cultural partnership by formally announcing the United Kingdom as a Country Partner for Hornbill Festival 2025, scheduled to be held from December 1 to 10.

According to a DIPR update, the agreement was signed in New Delhi by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director (India) of the British Council, in the presence of British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, along with senior officials from both sides.

It stated that the renewed partnership will strengthen ongoing collaborations in cultural exchange, creative industries and educational links, while enhancing the international profile of Nagaland’s flagship festival.

As part of this year’s programming, the British Council—working with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata—will bring Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) to perform at the festival on December 2. The Council has supported UK artists at previous Hornbill editions as well.

Chief Minister Rio said that the partnership reflects “shared values and a strong commitment to cultural exchange, collaboration and people-to-people ties,” adding that UK participation will enrich the festival and open opportunities in culture, tourism, education and enterprise.

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British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron described Hornbill as an “incredible festival,” calling the UK’s continued support “a celebration of the living bridge of personal and cultural connections between the UK and India.”

British Council India Director Alison Barrett said that the partnership would deepen UK engagement with Nagaland’s cultural and educational ecosystem, helping build dialogue and long-term sectoral cooperation.

RuMac, who will represent Scotland at the festival, said: “I’m thrilled to be performing at the Hornbill Festival this year, in a part of the world I’ve never had the chance to visit before. I’m looking forward to experiencing the cultural showcase in Nagaland and bringing a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland along with me, hopefully you’ll like what I do!”