A multimedia presentation by Manx medium primary school Bunscoill Ghaelgagh has won the Manx Folk Awards 2014 special Island of Culture class.
 
This is the third year of the Manx Folk Awards – Aundyryn Kiaull yn Theay Vannin. They are hosted by the Department of Education and Children, Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage to celebrate the Island's music, dance, poetry and song.
 
For Island of Culture 2014, each primary school was invited to enter a five minute multimedia presentation celebrating the Manx music, dance, song and drama that happens in their school. This was judged by the talented blues artist, and Island of Culture 2014 ambassador, Davy Knowles, who will now visit the winning school during the year.
 
Davy said: “What a fantastic video from Bunscoill Ghaelgagh! They looked like they had so much fun making it. I can’t wait to pay them a visit to meet them all, and hopefully they won’t mind teaching me some Manx. Really brilliant, very well done to all involved.”
 
The winning video captured the pupils of Bunscoill Ghaelgagh showing what Manx culture means to them. This included Manx traditional songs as well as new songs in Manx composed by the teachers and pupils, one of which they filmed as a 'flash mob' in the yard at break time. They are shown enjoying Manx dancing, traditional arts and crafts, drama, storytelling and playing traditional tunes on a variety of instruments. The activities are introduced in Manx by pupil presenters and the film is subtitled for non-Manx speakers.
 
Davy, who hails from Port St Mary and went to Castle Rushen High School, has found fame as one of the world’s most highly acclaimed young blues artists, and last year willingly accepted the Arts Council’s invitation to be Island of Culture Ambassador.
 
As part of the Island of Culture, Davy will be producing a filmed documentary all about his Manx roots. Davy said: “I have felt for a while that it is time to return to my Manx roots and explore the unique, fascinating history and stories behind beautiful Manx traditional songs with which I grew up. I want to capture the sounds, sights and rich culture of the Isle of Man, and also document my journey in discovering what was always at my feet growing up on the Island, but of which I took little notice. I look forward to visiting Bunscoill Ghaelgagh to share in the rich Manx culture and life that happens there.”