More than 30 events celebrating the Manx language have taken place across the island over the last few days as part of this year’s Cooish Vooar Manx Language Festival.

The annual Cooish festival was bigger than ever this year as part of Blein ny Gaelgey, the Year of the Manx Language, with a programme designed to encourage people of all ages to engage with Manx.

Events catered for complete beginners, current learners and fluent speakers, with activities including walking tours, conversational groups, music concerts, language workshops and a book launch.

One of the highlights was the premiere of ‘Caillagh’, the world’s first Manx language opera, written by Matthew Warren and performed at St German’s Cathedral.

Other events included bilingual walking tours led by Manx-speaking Blue Badge Guides, the Ned Maddrell Lecture at the iMuseum by Dr Petra Johana Poncarova, and a series of events celebrating Manx music and song.

Singers were also able to take part in a full day of ‘Singing in Manx’ workshops, while Manx language sessions were held in Ramsey and Peel.

Yn Chruinnaght also curated a harvest-themed Mheillea concert at the Centenary Centre in Peel, featuring a range of Manx performers alongside visiting musicians.

The festival’s grand finale took place at the Gaiety Theatre on Tuesday evening, with Celtic supergroup Allt performing. The group features Julie Fowlis, Eamon Doorley, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre, and was supported by Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin and harpist Rachel Hair.

The festival, sponsored by Island Escapes and supported by the government’s domestic event fund, attracted visitors from as far afield as the USA, Germany and other Celtic nations.

Visitor Steve Rouse, from Ripon in Yorkshire said: ‘There were so many opportunities to engage in conversation with Gaelgeyryn of all levels and I must say that my confidence has been boosted much more than I would have hoped.

‘I was also struck by how much pride and enthusiasm the Manx speakers have for their language. I continue to be amazed by how much culture is ‘jingit’ (packed) into such a small yet beautiful island.’

A bilingual walking tour of Kirk Rushen lead by Adrian Cain
A bilingual walking tour of Kirk Rushen lead by Adrian Cain (Adrian Cain)
Anita Cashen and Angela Little pictured with Chris Williamson Vice Chair of Culture Vannin
Anita Cashen and Angela Little pictured with Chris Williamson vice chair of Culture Vannin (Culture Vannin)
Blass Beg Workshop in progress at Erin Arts Centre with teacher Heather Savage
Blass Beg Workshop in progress at Erin Arts Centre with teacher Heather Savage (Culture Vannin)
Caitln Bennett leads a Manx song at The Mitre Hotel, Ramsey
Caitln Bennett leads a Manx song at The Mitre Hotel, Ramsey (Culture Vannin)
Manx dancers at Yn Mheillea Concert by ‘Yn Chruinnaght’
Manx dancers at Yn Mheillea Concert by ‘Yn Chruinnaght’ (Yn Chruinnaght)
Dr Petra Johana Poncarova delivers the Ned Maddrell lecture at the Manx Museum
Dr Petra Johana Poncarova delivers the Ned Maddrell lecture at the Manx Museum (Culture Vannin)
Participants at a ‘Singing in Manx’ workshop at Peel Centenary Centre
Participants at a ‘Singing in Manx’ workshop at Peel Centenary Centre (Culture Vannin)
Performers of the headline concert ‘InterGaelic Song & Music with ‘Allt’ at the Gaiety Theatre. Left to right: Eamon Doorley, Julie Fowlis, Ruth Keggin, Rachel Hair, Zoe Conway, John McIntyre
Performers of the headline concert ‘InterGaelic Song & Music with ‘Allt’ at the Gaiety Theatre. Left to right: Eamon Doorley, Julie Fowlis, Ruth Keggin, Rachel Hair, Zoe Conway, John McIntyre (Photo: DK Photography) (DK Photography)