Interest is strong among young people in the music, culture and traditions of the Island.
That is the message from Jo Callister, Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum with the Department of Education and Children (DEC), as the deadline for entering the Manx Folk Awards approaches.
Organised by the DEC, Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage, the competitions are for children aged from pre-school to 18.
The 2017 awards take place from Sunday 2nd to Wednesday 5th April at the Youth Arts Centre and Trinity Methodist Church, Douglas.
Jo said: ‘There is great interest among young people and schools in retaining the traditions of Manx folk music. The Programme for Government speaks of the importance of nurturing Manx arts and culture and the folk awards allows schools to do this through a friendly, informal setting.’
Jo continued: ‘This year’s competitions will reflect the commemorations of the centenary of folklorist Sophia Morrison’s death through songs and poems based around Manx myths and fairy tales.
‘There are classes for dance, singing, recitation and instrumental and this year, for the first time, as a result of feedback, a dance class that pre-school children can enter.
‘We also have a beginners’ folk class that will not be judged – it’s purely to allow young people to gain experience on the stage.’
The programme can be viewed at http://manxfolkawards.weebly.com/ and the closing date for entries is this Friday (17th February).
