The island’s leading cultural group is to hold a celebratory concert of all things Manx in the west this weekend to help mark its landmark anniversary.

The team behind Culture Vannin is hosting ‘A Manx Celebration’, a concert featuring some of the best examples of Manx music and culture at St German’s Cathedral in Peel on Saturday, May 21, from 7.30pm.

The concert is one of the many events and activities held by Culture Vannin to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Part of the cathedral’s monthly series of concerts, the evening will feature some of the projects and publications associated with the Manx Heritage Foundation, since renamed as Culture Vannin, over its four decades.

The evening will feature many old and traditional Manx songs, as well as new, contemporary compositions and examples of the modern Manx contemporary arrangements from Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, along with performances from young singers and musicians from some of Culture Vannin’s youth outreach projects, including the trad youth project Bree, the youth folk group Scran and the Claasagh harp ensemble.

There will also be a performance of Manx melodies and arrangements from the intergenerational Manx Fiddle Orchestra, which was formed to play at the Yn Chruinnaght festival.

There will be a piano composition by Madeline Kelly, brass and piano music from Juan Wright and Frank Woolley, which was written and influenced by some of the many music books and commissions published and produced by Culture Vannin over the years, together with songs from the ‘Ree ny Marrey’ Manx trad songbook.

Siblings Frank and Lowenna Joughin also will perform their prize-winning Manx music and dance compositions.

The concert is being held to highlight the development and increase of interest in Manx culture over the past 40 years and Culture Vannin are inviting as many friends and supporters of the organisation, past and present, as well as those who have played an active role in helping to promote and develop Manx heritage, arts and culture and join in with the ‘Manx Celebration’

‘This evening’s concert offers the chance to celebrate Manx culture and the work of the Manx Heritage Foundation and, latterly, Culture Vannin,’ said Dr Breesha Maddrell, director of Culture Vannin.

‘Not just the wonderful performers of today, but many of the individuals, organisations and initiatives which have brought us here over the past 40 years and more.’

Culture Vannin are currently promoting its ‘40 Things In Manx’ initiative, where people can try a list of activities and events to find out moire about Manx language, culture, arts, music and dance.

More details about Culture Vannin’s 40th anniversary celebrations are available at www.culturevannin.im