Pupils from all five Key Stages have been invited to take part in 36 categories covering a wide variety of music, song, dance and poetry with competitors gathering at the iMuseum in Douglas between the 26th and 28th March.
Awards’ organiser Jo Callister said, “The competitions are focused on Manx music, dance, poetry and song and are informal. It’s a great way to celebrate our wonderful cultural heritage and showcase the talent we have among pupils”.
Run in partnership with the Manx Heritage Foundation and Manx National Heritage, these awards will provide a platform for those with a creative flair and a love of Manx culture to show off their talents.
Jo added, “The awards will keep alive the tradition started by the Cruinnaght Aeg competitions that have run for several years and have always provided an important focal point for Manx music-making in schools. The Manx Folk Awards will continue to provide this important opportunity for young musicians and performers to learn from what others are doing around the Island”.
A number of established traditional music, song and dance groups based on the Isle of Man continue to encourage talented and enthusiastic young people to learn more about Manx culture, with the opportunity to take part in annual festivals both on and off the Island; but competitions such as this remain a vital link in developing new ideas for its continuity and expansion.
Valerie Caine
© March 2012
