The Government of Nagaland and the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, have formalised the United Kingdom’s role as one of the Country Partners for Hornbill Festival 2025 (1–10 December).
The partnership aims to promote cultural exchange, support creative talent, and enhance global visibility for Nagaland’s cultural heritage.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on 17 November 2025 by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio 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.
Under the partnership, the British Council, in coordination with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, will curate programming for the festival, including the participation of UK artists. This year, Scottish musician Ruairidh Maclean, known as RuMac, will perform on 2 December 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu 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.”
British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron said, “The UK is proud to support the incredible Hornbill Festival once again. The deep personal and cultural connections between the UK and India make this partnership special. Following last year’s silver jubilee, it is fantastic to continue the collaboration with Scottish music this year.”
Alison Barrett, Director India, British Council, added, “This collaboration will allow UK artists and experts to engage with Nagaland’s remarkable diversity, build sector dialogue in culture and education, and contribute to knowledge-sharing that strengthens creative and educational ecosystems.”
Excited ahead of his performance, Ruairidh Maclean said, “I’m thrilled to perform at the Hornbill Festival in a part of the world I’ve never visited. I look forward to experiencing Nagaland’s cultural showcase and bringing a little of The Highlands of Scotland along with me. Slàinte!”
The Government of Nagaland and the British Council aim to deliver a memorable Hornbill Festival 2025 while building long-term pathways for cultural and educational cooperation.
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. Works with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2024–25 they have reached 599 million people. For more details, visit https://www.britishcouncil.in/
