‘Fearless, joyous, original’ Manx representatives Nish As Rish took this year’s Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany by storm. The group won the prestigious Trophee Loic Raison for the best new folk group, in what is reported to have been the fiercest competition for 20 years. Nish As Rish performed in the final alongside folk groups Ceoltoiri Cois Laoi, Kelien, and Brandal from Ireland, Brittany and Asturias respectively. It is the second time in which a Manx band has been awarded the Trophee – King Chiaullee won in 2008. Ruth Keggin, singer and flautist for the band, said ‘I was so proud to be able to represent the Island this year in Lorient - for us to win the trophy on top of that was a dream come true. The support we had from the audience was just fantastic and it was lovely to see the three legs being flown so proudly by so many people. It’s a real achievement for the Island and for Manx music to have won twice in four years.’ As first-prize winners, the band were awarded a cast bronze trophy - a statuette of three folk musicians - as well as 1,200 Euros in prize money. Music graduates of the University of York, Nish As Rish perform both traditional and original music, and showcased their love of Manx traditional music in their performances at Lorient. Acclaimed for their senstitive and bold arrangements and infectious stage rapport, the group performed alongside artists including Aodan and the Rachel Hair Trio, and were singled out to perform live for local and national radio. Official delegate to the festival, Aalish Maddrell, said ‘I’m delighted that Nish As Rish did so well this year – the crowds and committee of the festival totally fell in love with them, they quickly sold out of CDs and they developed a strong following. At a festival which attracts over 800,000 visitors over ten days, this is no mean feat!’ The competition marked the end of ten successful days for the band, who made their debut at Lorient this year. ‘Aside from having a wonderful time meeting other musicians and experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of the festival, it has been an honour and such a joy to share our music with so many people at Lorient. I think I speak for us all when I say that we were really touched and a little overwhelmed at the response we received’ said fiddle player and singer Anna Goldbeck-Wood. Nish As Rish recorded their debut album on the Isle of Man earlier this year. It is available for purchase via nishasrish@manx.net through www.manxmusic.com and in Manx Heritage shops. www.nishasrish.com Ends