Kohima, Nov 17 (NNN): The Government of Nagaland and the British Council signed an agreement to formalise the UK’s role as one of the ‘country partners’ at the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2025 (December 1-10).
“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 on Monday.
The agreement was signed by Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, and Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director for India, British Council, in the presence of Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, and senior representatives from both sides in New Delhi on Monday, it was also stated.
Under this partnership, the British Council is working closely 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 December 2.
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, Rio 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.”
