The Isle of Man Arts Council has commissioned one of the best known Island musicians to write and perform an anthem for the Commonwealth Youth Games. Blues rocker Davy Knowles has composed 'Reach Higher' for the event, which will be held over 7-13 September, with 69 competing nations. Davy, who is now based in Chicago, will be returning to the Isle of Man to perform the anthem at the CYG Opening Ceremony but the anthem will be previewed in a live performance at The Garden Party festival being staged at Begoade, Onchan, over this weekend (1-2 July). Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said: 'The Isle of Man is bursting with talent both in music and the arts and the CYG anthem is a fantastic collaboration between Davy Knowles and other top Island artistes. I am sure it will be well received on Saturday and I hope the young people of the Commonwealth will be as excited about it as I am. It is inspiring and uplifting with a definite Celtic influence.' The track, which opens with the lyric 'Here we are united before the world' was composed and recorded by Davy in Chicago. Davy commented: ‘What an absolute honour it is to be asked to contribute to such a wonderful event for the Island. It was a fantastic collaborative process working with the most talented musicians on the Isle of Man. I am really looking forward to performing our anthem live for the first time this weekend at the Garden Party festival.’ Producer Dave Armstrong of DAM Productions explained: 'I would describe it as a contemporary Celtic blues anthem and it truly was an international collaboration with Davy working on it in Chicago, Christine Collister recording backing vocals in Los Angeles and Christy DeHaven and Anna Goldsmith recording their vocals here on the Island, along with its production. The singers are all here rehearsing this week for Saturday’s preview performance, which will be led and accompanied by Davy on guitar, a guest performance by Katie Lawrence on fiddle and Mark Brabbs on drums.' Quintin Gill MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: 'The Arts Council is really happy to bring Davy Knowles back for the Commonwealth Youth Games and have him involved in such a high profile event for the Isle of Man. The special commission is part of the Arts Council’s commitment to supporting both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Youth Games in September.’ Davy Knowles is the headline act at The Garden Party and will take to the stage from around 10pm on Saturday. Tickets are ?30 for the weekend or ?12.50 for Friday and ?22.50 for Saturday. See www.thegardenparty.im for more details. · Tickets for the Commonwealth Youth Games are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and the Villa Marina Reception or via the Ticketing Hotline on 01624 600555. Ticket prices range from ?6 to ?15 for events which take place between Wednesday 7 September and Sunday 10 September. Links: www.iomarts.com www.davyknowles.com www.cyg2011.com -Ends-