A ’Horo’ folkdance for everybody to join in provided a vibrant finale to what was a glorious evening of music and dance, combining Balkan and Manx cultures.

Held at The Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen High School in Douglas on Sunday this sellout concert was held in aid of cancer charities and featured members of the resident Bulgarian population here on the island.

They have formed an energetic dancing and vocal group aptly named ’Rhythm of Bulgaria’ who, with traditional instruments and colourful national dress, are fast becoming popular due to their eagerness to support our local events. Also on stage during the evening were three Manx dancing groups - Perree Bane, MDFS and Ny Fennee. Largely accompanied by fiddlers, the groups jigged to toe-tapping familiar pieces, including ’Hunt the Wren’ and ’Peter O’Tavy’.

Vlad Stefanoff, a mainstay of The Rhythm of Bulgaria, is also a member of Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums. These pipers certainly got the audience into an early Festive spirit with their ’Carol of the Drum’. As a solo piper, Vlad accompanied well-known singer Olivia Black who descended through the audience whilst delivering a powerful ’Amazing Grace’ and ’Ellan Vannin’.

The East Ronague Band, a laid-back assembly of folk jammers who regularly meet up in Manx hostelries, was represented as well. And particular mention simply must be made of the Laxey Beach Boys who blasted the roof off the Studio Theatre with their rocking ’Teenage Kicks’ and ’Delilah’.

The wide variety of acts within this concert gave it a truly special and diverse feel and I sincerely hope that this is just the start of ventures between the Rhythm of Bulgaria and Manx artists.