The Blein Yn Ellan Ain (that’s Year of Our Island) project is continuing the celebration of Manx culture throughout the month of July with the release of a culture booklet and the St John’s treasure hunt.

The Year of Our Island project team has worked closely with Culture Vannin to design the leaflets, which are packed full of information about events, activities, recipes, poems and short stories.

The treasure hunt (or Shelg Hashtee in Manx) will take people on a journey around St John’s village in search of cultural landmarks.

From Tynwald Hill to the Blein Yn Ellan Ain Garden, treasure seekers will have to solve puzzles to be in with a chance of winning a special Year of Our Island themed prize.

Dr Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin, said that learning and understanding Manx culture is an important part of the Manx identity.

’Our culture shows who we are as a nation, it is a rich patchwork of the many ways we choose to show our identity and we have designed the culture booklet to reflect that,’ said Breesha.

’We hope that it will give you a taste of Manx life and encourage you to find out more.’

Residents are also being given the opportunity to try Manx Gaelic this month with the help of a new language app from Glossika and Culture Vannin.

The online course, which is available on desktop and smartphones, is suitable for both beginners and advanced language learners.

There are a number of topics to choose from, which range from basic phrases to health and shopping.

The course is free and more information can be found at ai.glossika.com.

Year of Our Island Project Lead Jennie Wheeler said: "Whether you’re interested in attending one of our events, learning some Manx or simply taking a trip to one of our many cultural landmarks, you won’t run out of things to do this month.’

If you would like to learn more about Manx culture this month you can pick up the culture booklet at the Welcome Centre, Manx National Heritage sites, Culture Vannin in St John’s and various other locations around the Island. For information about Year of Our Island events go to ourisland.im or call 687007.

by the Year of Our Island project team

www.ourisland.co.im