Entries are invited for the second Manx Folk Awards, being held at the Youth Arts Centre in Douglas between March 18th and 20th.
The awards, which celebrate cultural talent among young people, are run by the Department of Education and Children in partnership with the Manx Heritage Foundation, Manx National Heritage and the youth arts centre itself.
Entry is open across Key Stages one to five. Key stage two proves so popular that two days have been set aside for it.
There are 47 classes incorporating Manx music, dance, poetry and song. New this year is a category for the viola. Individuals and groups can take part using the Fiddyl Vooar pack provided by the Manx Heritage Foundation.
A full syllabus and details of how schools can enter can be found on the DEC’s wiki – go to https://www2.sch.im/ and search for Manx Folk Awards – or can be requested from the awards organiser, Jo Callister, by emailing j.callister@doe.sch.im or ringing 686281.
The closing date for entries is Friday 8th February.
The awards keep alive the tradition started by the popular Cruinnaght Aeg competitions that ran for several years and provided an important focal point for Manx music-making in schools.
Manx National Heritage has kindly provided prizes for the competitions in the form of vouchers to be used at its sites.
Jo said: ‘Last year’s inaugural folk awards were an overwhelming success. It is great to be able to use the Youth Arts Centre for 2013 and we are sure that entry numbers will be even higher than last year.
‘We recently held two days of Manx music teacher training sessions, which were supported by the Manx Heritage Foundation and were well attended. These supported the use of Manx music in our primary and secondary schools as well as entry into the Manx Folk Awards.
‘It is fantastic to see just how much Manx music goes on in our Island’s schools.’
Parents can follow the awards via the Facebook group Aundyryn Kiaull-Theay Vannin DEC Manx Folk Awards.
Photo showing pupils from Bunscoill Ghaelgagh taking part in the inaugural Manx Folk Awards.
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