Manx Music
Music is a fundamental part of Manx life. With an abundance of live music events for locals and visitors to experience, the Isle of Man caters for fans of all genres of music, from classical and early music, to pop, jazz and blues. The Island also possesses its own indigenous music, generally referred to as Manx music, and includes folk song in both Manx Gaelic and English, instrumental session and ceili music, West gallery and church music, and many songs from the heyday of tourism.
To experience and learn about Manx music, the Manx Heritage Foundation, Manx National Heritage and the Centre for Manx Studies organise events throughout the year. Entertainment venues such as the Centenary Centre in Peel, the Villa Marina/Gaiety complex in Douglas and the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin also feature Manx music in their programmes. For Celtic and folk enthusiasts, live Manx music of a more traditional style can be enjoyed at weekly pub sessions and gigs around the Island (such as the White House in Peel and the Tynwald Inn in St. Johns), and folk music and dancing are also an integral part of annual gatherings including Tynwald Day [Manx Parliament, 5th July] and Laxey Fair.
There are several annual Inter-Celtic festivals held in the Isle of Man which offer a range of concerts, outdoor displays, children’s events, lectures, ceilis and workshops. Yn Chruinnaght, which means ‘the gathering’, is held in late July and features Manx and visiting Celtic music and dance groups. Shennaghys Jiu [‘Tradition Today’] is held just before Easter in Ramsey and is a festival which celebrates the talent of young Manx musicians. Cooish [meaning ‘Chat’] is the Manx Gaelic language festival which is held at several venues during November. This festival provides the perfect opportunity to pick up a little Manx, to hear some traditional music and song, and mingle with visitors from the sister Gaelic countries.
Commercial recordings and publications about Manx music are available from the Manx Heritage Foundation website, Manx National Heritage shops or direct from the bands’ websites. Manx music is also featured on Manx Radio programmes such as Claare ny Gael [‘Gaelic Programme’], which is available on the internet.
| Some examples of Manx Music Courtesy of the Manx Heritage Foundation | |
|---|---|
| A track from the 1973 recording Arraneyn Beeal-Arrish Vannin featuring Manx Gaelic Singer Brian Stowell. The song is entitled Mannin Veg Veen. | Brian Stowell |
| Geyrid. A track from the audio cassette Fragments by Paitchyn Vannin issued by the Foundation in 1995. | Paitchyn Vannin |
| Ellan Vannin | Ellan Vannin |
| The Best That’s In | The Best That’s In |
| For more examples of Manx music please visit the Manx Heritage Foundation Website www.manxheritage.com Here, you can also access the Manx Music Database, which contains references to music sources, information about musicians, printable samples of Manx music and a calendar of Manx music and dance events. | |
Click here to listen to the Manx National Anthem