Manx Gaelic rang out through the streets of Peel recently as 75 adult learners came together for Culture Vannin's annual Scoill Souree summer school.

The week-long event brought together learners from across the Isle of Man and further afield, with around a third of participants travelling to the island from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, mainland Europe, the United States and Japan.

Now in its fourth year, Scoill Souree has continued to grow since it was established in 2023. This year's programme featured eight courses catering for learners at all stages, from absolute beginners through to advanced speakers.

The expanded programme follows Culture Vannin's announcement earlier this year that the 2026 summer school would offer more opportunities for people learning Manx, as part of a wider programme of activity during Blein ny Gaelgey - the Year of the Manx Language.

The summer school took place from July 27 to 31 and coincided with the Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering in Peel.

A new course was also introduced this year for Irish speakers, with lessons delivered through the medium of Irish. Manx Gaelic and Irish are closely related languages within the Goidelic branch of the Celtic languages.

The summer school was based at Queen Elizabeth II High School, providing a central location where students from different courses could meet during breaks and spend time together outside the classroom.

The international interest in the event continues a trend seen at previous Scoill Souree summer schools, with last year's event attracting more than 50 participants from eight countries, with five courses available to learners at different stages.

Ruth Keggin Gell, Manx language development officer at Culture Vannin, commented: ‘Scoill Souree has become a real highlight of the year for many learners.

‘There was a fantastic atmosphere and sense of occasion at QEII, and it was lovely to see lots of new friendships form.

‘We hold Scoill Souree at the same time as Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic festival at the end of July to give students the chance to enjoy brilliant cultural offerings from the festival. Here's to 2027!’

The growth of the summer school comes during a year-long focus on Manx Gaelic across the Island.

Blein ny Gaelgey was officially launched in November 2025, with the initiative intended to celebrate the language and its place in Manx culture and identity. Since the start of 2026, Culture Vannin and other organisations have supported a programme of events and projects designed to encourage the use Manx in different settings.

More than 30 community-led events had taken place by May, according to Culture Vannin, while initiatives including the Mannin Aboo passport scheme have sought to encourage people to incorporate simple Manx words and phrases into everyday life.

For those who attended Scoill Souree, however, the focus last week was on putting the language into practice and building connections between learners.

One participant summed up the experience by saying: ‘It's been truly amazing and I cannot wait to sign up again next year – thank you!’

Weekly Manx language classes will resume in September.

To find out more about Year of the Manx Language, you can visit https://culturevannin.im/resources/year-of-manx-922835//