Lorient in Brittany becomes the focus for Europe’s largest Celtic festival yet again this month. With around 800,000 visitors over its ten day duration, it is a celebration of the rich and diverse cultures of the Celtic countries, which, of course, very much includes the Isle of Man.
The Manx delegation is organised by Dr Breesha Maddrell, Manx Music Development Officer for the Manx Heritage Foundation. She coordinates with the professional festival team based in Lorient, who invite Manx musicians, singers or dancers to perform each year. For 2013, three main acts will perform in prestigious concert venues and at community events, as well as at the Island’s own pavilion, which promotes Manx food and drink, tourism and cultural heritage.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to get noticed, as we are only one of eight nations recognised at the festival. Our musicians, singers and dancers are just brilliant and always receive a warm welcome at the festival – it’s wonderful for them to perform to thousands of people.”
Fiddle-led trio, Scammylt, present a mixture of traditional and newly composed tunes, blending influences from rock and jazz. Katie Lawrence, Russell Cowin and Mike Reaney are some of the Island’s finest musicians, and they will be promoting their first recording at the festival, an EP which features artwork by Bruno Cavellec.
Manx Gaelic choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, will be joined by organ and trumpet duo, David Kilgallon and Russell Gilmour, to give concerts of sacred music in Lorient’s beautiful churches as well as performing secular music in other venues. The choir is directed by Annie Kissack, whose innovative arrangements and new compositions in Manx Gaelic have attracted awards and attention worldwide. David and Russell performed stunning sets in Lorient in 2012 and make a very welcome return this year. Both highly qualified musicians and talented performers, they will explore the Island’s Celtic and Norse heritage through their music.
Peter Skelly will head the pavilion’s team of volunteers and chefs, serving Manx beer, queenies and cheeses, and providing the main point of contact between the Isle of Man and the festival. Tourists, performers and media from all across Europe, North America and even Australia will be able to find out about how unique the Isle of Man’s culture really is. Of course, there’s a great interest in cycling in Brittany and in France more generally, so the word ‘Cavendeesh’ will be uttered as soon as the Manx three legs symbol is seen!
