The 2016 Manx Folk Awards have attracted a bumper entry.

Organised by the Department of Education and Children (DEC), Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage, the awards are for four to 18-year-olds.

They take place from Sunday 20th to Wednesday 23rd March at the Youth Arts Centre and Trinity Methodist Church, Douglas.

‘There are dance, singing, recitation and instrumental classes,’ said Jo Callister, Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum with the DEC.

‘New classes, including Manx Gaelic reading and singing classes and classes for brass, harp, flute and fiddle, have increased the awards’ appeal.

‘We have 1,200 entries – the largest number since the launch of the awards five years ago. Two primary schools have had to hold qualifying competitions to whittle down numbers going through to the awards, such is the popularity of some of the classes.’

The timetable can be viewed at http://manxfolkawards.weebly.com/. 

Jo said: ‘There is great interest among young people and schools in retaining the great traditions of Manx folk music and the awards allow them to improve as singers and performers and demonstrate their talents to a wider audience.’