The Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic Festival has been constantly reinventing itself over its 30 year history – making sure it keeps in touch with its Celtic music and dance roots, but reaching out to embrace new ideas and sounds. For 2013, it has taken the bold step of siting itself in one place – with its fabulous range of venues and accommodation for visitors, Peel is the natural choice. It also saves the brain cells the worry of where you are heading each evening – head west and listen for the sound of tunes or the trip of dancing feet.
The festival is a mix of gigs in the Cathedral, Centenary Centre and Creek, and smaller events around Peel, including a ceili in Peel Golf Club. There are community events and plenty of them are free – if you are ever stuck wondering how to spell www.ynchruinnaght.com just Google ‘Manx Celtic Festival’ and it’ll be one of the top results.
For something of the new, catch the sounds of 9Bach, a Portishead-tinged indie band who make old songs new and new songs old…they’ve made waves at festivals all around the globe, including WOMAD. They’ll be on stage at the Centenary Centre in Peel on Friday 20 July.
For the very best of Scottish, Shetland and Irish traditions, the mighty Boys of the Lough will take to the stage, again at the Centenary Centre, on Saturday 21 July. They are renowned as much for the ‘craic’ or banter they have on stage as they are for their foot stomping sets of tunes and seductive song sets.
Other dazzling visiting artists include Leski and Carmen Hunt from Cornwall, who bring songs, tunes and dances on hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar and vocals and Breton fiddle and accordion duo Vincendeau/Felder who will have you dancing fest-noz style. You can listen to each act on the festival website www.ynchruinnaght.com and buy tickets with PayPal.
Manx artists abound – catch the sounds of The Mollag Band, Scammylt, Cairistiona Dougherty, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, David Kilgallon and Russell Gilmour in main support slots and feast your eyes and ears on Perree Bane, Manx Folk Dance Society, Scoill Daunse Yernagh Ellan Vannin, Tammy Tiggle and the Gary Ford Trio (featuring two guest musicians from Spain). Rising stars like Mera Royle, Isla Callister-Wafer and Mae Challis will showcase the best young talent and established bands like The Fecktones will perform alongside singer-songwriter Alex Harris.
There will be informal music sessions around Peel, free events and, of course, fabulous gigs in the Cathedral and the Centenary Centre. Supported by the Manx Heritage Foundation, IOM Arts Council and Manx Telecom, the festival has something for everyone. It’s time to get in touch with your Celtic roots…
