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Manx music and dance are important elements of Manx culture and identity. By their very nature they encompass Manx Gaelic, folklore, history and much more, and offer an enjoyable way in to Manx life. Inextricably linked, Manx music and dance are for everyone to enjoy whether you are Manx-born, have come to live on the Island or, are part of the global village.

Although much of the traditional Manx music and dance has its roots in previous centuries, there is a vibrant culture of creating new music and dance in the 21st century that is continuing the well-established traditions as well as exploring new influences and ideas - the Island has developed its own distinctive cultural identity based on Celtic and European influences.

Call +44 1624 695159 (Manx Music Development Team), +44 1624 624093 (Manx Heritage Foundation)

Or write to: Manx Music Development Team, c/o Centre for Manx Studies,6 Kingswood Grove, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3LX.

The Manx traditional music scene today is vibrant and lively. With a distinctive sound and style, Manx music can be heard at community events inter-Celtic festivals, regular sessions in most major towns; Manx music is an important part of everyday life in the Isle of Man.

The versatility of Manx music and musicians means that a plethora of groups exist, from a capella Gaelic choirs, to experimental bands who employ Manx songs for inspiration. Instrumental music is popular, with whistle, fiddle, guitar and bodhrán being the main instruments, but button boxes, bouzoukis, banjos, pipes, flutes and harps are also common. Vocal music includes choirs singing purely in Gaelic, bilingual choirs, solo singers and vocal-led bands. Their styles range from traditional to modern, with protest/political songs, love songs, bardic songs and Manx variants of well-known folk songs.

Events specifically for Manx music are held around the Island throughout the year. These range from large outdoor events to acoustic indoor performances. In recent years, it has become common for corporate events, weddings and birthday parties to employ Manx musicians to provide the entertainment, often in the form of ceilis.

Manx music is well established, with a substantial core of tunes which are constantly undergoing change and development. A number of Manx musicians have composed new tunes in the Manx style, and innovations in arrangement and give contemporary Manx music a distinctive flavour. With an increase in recording, it is now easy to purchase CDs and tapes of Manx music from any music or book shop on the Isle of Man, as well as on the internet.

Manx musicians can also be seen representing the Isle of Man at a number of inter-Celtic and folk festivals around the world, travelling regularly to Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Brittany, the rest of Europe, America and even Dubai.

Although it does bear some similarities to other dance forms of the neighbouring countries, Manx dance is a distinct art form and tradition in its own right. Manx traditional dance today enjoys a scene closely intertwined with Manx music, with five established Manx dance groups and many primary schools using Manx dance in the classroom and as an extra-curricular activity. Ceilis are a popular form of entertainment, too, which means there are few Islanders who haven't experienced something of Manx dance.

An established canon of Manx dances is shared by each dance group, along with many newly composed dances and they all have their own distinctive style. Manx dance is always performed to live music, often played by members of other Manx bands. Groups generally perform in costume, with each group having developed their own distinct costume ranging from those inspired by 18th century illustrations to modern t-shirts and black skirts.

The ways in which Manx dance is performed are also very diverse. In addition to the standard repertoire still popular at local fairs and events, new dances have been composed using traditional steps, and sophisticated medleys and programmed sets depicting stories (such as The Manx Wedding) have been choreographed by dance teams. A vibrant ceili culture is also evident on the Island with dances based on those performed by the groups as well as traditional country dances called to the accompaniment of live musicians. Ceilis (properly called gienses in Manx) are now such a normal part of Manx life that they are commonly used to celebrate family occasions, national, fundraising and corporate events, and they are a major attraction at local festivals. Manx dance groups also travel to other Celtic countries and folk festivals to represent the Isle of Man.

Yn Chruinnaght (The Gathering) began in 1977 with a celebration depicting a Manx Wedding in Ramsey. The following year Mona Douglas organised Yn Chruinnaght in Ramsey based on Yn Chruinnaght Ashoonagh dy Vannin (The Manx National Gathering) of the 1920s. Since the 1970s the festival has gone from strength to strength and has now grown to a week-long celebration of Manx and Inter-Celtic culture. Based in Ramsey and more recently Peel, it is held annually in July, with smaller events held all over the Island. The festival is officially linked with the National Eisteddfod in Wales, The Mod in Scotland and An t’Oireachtas in Ireland and receives delegates from these organisations each year. In addition Yn Chruinnaght invites performers from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and Wales to take part.

An important element of the festival is the school workshops in which visiting performers travel to local schools to allow young people to experience some of their inter-Celtic culture. For the adults, annual adult music competitions are held. As well as concerts, ceilis, workshops and sessions, the festival includes many outdoor performances of traditional music and dance from the Isle of Man and from the visiting groups. However, the festival is not only concerned with music and dance as other events include Gaelic and Manx dialect readings, poetry recitals, guided walks, church services, lectures, art exhibitions and film shows.

Outside of the festival week the volunteer committee also organise Yn Chruinnaght Ghennal, a concert between Christmas and New Year, and ‘DanceMann’, a professional performance of contemporary Manx traditional dance in a local theatre. For more information on Yn Chruinnaght see www.ynchruinnaght.com, email info(AT)ynchruinnaght.com, ring +44 1624 695159 or write to Yn Chruinnaght, c/o Centre for Manx Studies, 6 Kingswood Grove, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 3LX.

Music for Young People

Shennaghys Jiu is an inter-Celtic music festival especially for young people. Designed to give young musicians an opportunity to perform in a non-competitive environment, it is also an opportunity for young Manx performers to interact with young visiting musicians from other Celtic countries.

Held annually over the weekend around Easter, Shennaghys Jiu was started by a group of friends in 1997 when they were approached to organise an event for a group of visiting Scottish fiddlers. Over the ensuing decade the festival has grown. Based in Ramsey, but with events held elsewhere on the Island, the festival uses a variety of venues for concerts, ceilis, workshops, sessions and acoustic events. For more information see www.shennaghys.org, email contact@shennaghys.org, call +44 1624 819068 or write to Shennaghys Jiu, 21 Princes Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man.

As part of the school year, Manx music, dance and song competitions are held for key stages 1 to key stage 4 and include individual, duet and group classes. Organised jointly by the Department of Education and Manx National Heritage, the Cruinnaght Aeg competitions provide an important focal point for Manx music-making in schools. The competitive nature is kept to a minimum and the emphasis is instead placed on taking part. It is an important opportunity for young musicians to see what others are doing around the Island, to pick up some tips and to show parents what they have achieved in the final concert.

The Manx Music Development Officer is employed by the Manx Heritage Foundation to promote and raise the profile of Manx music and dance both on and off the Isle of Man. On the Island this means the continued support of festivals such as Yn Chruinnaght, Shennaghys Jiu and Cooish in collaboration with the Isle of Man Arts Council, the Department of Tourism and Leisure and local enterprises. The MMDO is responsible for creating material to promote Manx music and dance both on and off the Island, including the Manx Music Database, information leaflets, CDs, DVDs and DVD-ROMs. The MMDO also acts as an agent and point of contact for event and festival organisers on and off the Island to ensure Manx representation.

The Manx Music Specialist is employed by the Manx Heritage Foundation to promote Manx music within the education system by assisting and advising classroom and instrumental teachers, creating academic and extra-curricular resources for schools and by organising educational events. The aim of the Specialist is to make sure that every child on the Isle of Man gains an experience of Manx music before the end of their school career, therefore assuring the continuation and development of the living tradition. The Manx music promoted within the schools is not restricted to the folk tradition, but includes all genres, from ancient carvals to modern rock songs. These have so far been represented in a comprehensive Manx music course designed for Key Stage 3 and sheet music which is continually provided for extra-curricular activities at all levels.

For more information on the Manx music curriculum or any of the above issues please contact: Chloë Woolley, Centre for Manx Studies, 6 Kingswood Grove, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 3LX. Email: manxmusicspecialist(AT)mhf.org.im +44 1624 695159

The Manx Music Database is a constantly evolving resource relating to all things to do with Manx music and dance. Included in the database is any music and dance that was written on the Isle of Man, about the Isle of Man, by a Manx person or connected with the Isle of Man. The database contains detailed references to individual pieces including their location, and an increasing number of transcriptions are being made available.

Manx Heritage Foundation

The Manx Heritage Foundation was created by Act of Tynwald in 1982 and is dedicated to supporting all elements of Manx culture.

As well as employing the Manx Music Specialist, the Manx Music Development Officer and a Manx Language Development Officer, the Foundation financially supports many of the Manx festivals and educational events and assists performing groups with travel abroad and the purchase of new costumes, equipment and instruments. A number of publications on Manx music and dance have been funded by the Foundation, as well as CDs and other recordings. More information about the Foundation can be found at: www.manxheritage.com, call +44 1624 624093 or write to Manx Heritage Foundation, PO Box 1986, Douglas, Isle of Man.