Ireland, UK Issue Conflicting Announcements on Hornbill 2025 Country Partner

Overview

• On Nov. 18, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly announced Ireland as the official Country Partner at Naga House in New Delhi.
• Ireland outlined a multidisciplinary presence featuring investment roundtables, public art, theatre and dialogues, with the ensemble Boinn slated for the opening performance.
• A day earlier, the Nagaland government signed an agreement in New Delhi with the British Council formalising the UK’s role as a country partner, witnessed by British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron.
• The British Council programme includes Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) performing on Dec. 2, continuing the Council’s tradition of bringing UK artists to the festival.
• The Hornbill Festival’s schedule remains confirmed for Dec. 1–10 at the Naga heritage village Kisama, while the conflicting country-partner claims await clarification from the state or festival organisers.