KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 17: The Government of Nagaland and the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, signed an agreement to formalise the United Kingdom’s role as one of the ‘country partners’ at the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2025 (December 1 to 10). “The agreement strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the two partners to promote cultural exchange, support creative talent, and enhance global visibility for Nagaland’s cultural heritage”, an official statement said today.
The agreement was signed by Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, and Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council in the presence of Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India and senior representatives from both sides at New Delhi today, it also said.
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Under this partnership, the British Council is working in close coordination with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata to curate meaningful programming for the festival. Like in the previous editions the British Council is bringing an artist from the UK to participate in the festival. This year Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) will perform on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The festival not only showcases incredible talent but also creates a lively space where audiences can connect with contemporary UK music, it also said. For the visiting musicians, it is a chance to experience the culture of a region in India whose deep musical traditions feel familiar and inspiring – and to build lasting friendships, collaborations, and creative ties along the way, the statement further said. For the UK musicians it is a wonderful opportunity to engage with, learn from, and build networks and cultural ties with a region in India whose rich musical traditions strongly resonate with their own, it added.
On the occasion, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, said, “Nagaland is honoured to welcome the United Kingdom as our ‘country partner’ for this year’s Hornbill Festival. This partnership reflects our shared values and a strong commitment to cultural exchange, collaboration, and people-to-people ties. The UK’s participation will enrich the festival and open new avenues for cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and enterprise. We look forward to welcoming our friends from the United Kingdom to the Land of Festivals.”
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Lindy Cameron, CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, said, “The UK is proud to support the incredible Hornbill Festival once again as a Country Partner. The deep personal and cultural connections between the UK and India, our living bridge, is what makes this partnership so special. Welsh, Naga, and Khasi artists performed together at the festival’s silver jubilee last year. It is fantastic to be able to follow that up with Scottish music this year.”
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, added, “We are delighted to partner with the Government of Nagaland for Hornbill 2025. This collaboration will enable UK artists and experts to understand the remarkable diversity of India and continue engaging meaningfully with audiences in Nagaland, build sector dialogue in culture and education, and contribute to knowledge-sharing that strengthens creative and educational ecosystems.”
Ahead of his performance at this year’s edition of Hornbill 2025, Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac), shared, “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! Slàinte!”
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Together, the Government of Nagaland and the British Council look forward to delivering a memorable Hornbill Festival 2025 and building pathways for long-term cultural and educational cooperation, the statement also said.
It can be mentioned here that the British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. They do this through work in arts and culture, education, and the English language.