Young people are being invited to explore the Isle of Man’s music, language, dance and folklore at a two-day workshop during the October half-term.

Culture Vannin’s Big Bree Workshop will take place in St John’s from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28.

The event is open to young musicians and dancers aged between 10 and 18, who will be encouraged to get creative with the traditional fairy tale ‘The Lazy Wife’ – renamed ‘The Clever Wife’ for the workshop.

Over the two days, participants will learn about Manx culture through singing, dancing, music-making, storytelling and craft.

The workshop will be led by tutors from the island’s traditional music and dance scene and will finish with a free showcase concert for family and friends.

Bree, which is the Manx word for ‘vitality’, is a youth education movement run by Culture Vannin with the aim of ensuring Manx music and dance remain a living tradition.

Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx music development officer for Culture Vannin, has been running the Bree movement since it began 20 years ago.

She said its success has centred around making traditional culture enjoyable and giving young people the opportunity to be creative.

Dr Woolley said: ‘Making Manx music, song and dance fun, and encouraging students to be creative with it’ has been key to the movement.

She added: ‘Bree is an ideal opportunity for young people to get involved in Manx culture, become confident about performing in public, and make new friends.’

Bree members meet monthly for informal traditional music sessions and workshops at Culture Vannin, as well as performing in public and taking part in the annual Manx Folk Awards as a band or as soloists.

More experienced members can also progress to Scran, an advanced teenage folk group with a rolling membership.

Over the past 12 years, Scran has recorded two albums, performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Music for Youth Proms and represented the Isle of Man at international festivals.

The group has also helped produce successful bands including An Corran, alongside professional soloists such as fiddle player Isla Callister and harpist Mera Royle.

Organisers said no previous experience of Manx music, language or dancing is required to take part in the Big Bree Workshop.

Young musicians who wish to play an instrument are expected to be competent to at least Grade 1 level and must bring their own instrument.

The two-day workshop costs £20, with applications closing on Friday, October 16.

For more information or to request an application form, contact Dr Chloë Woolley by emailing [email protected] or phoning 694758.

The workshop is being run by Culture Vannin, which supports and promotes all aspects of Manx culture through projects, grants and development work focused on areas including music, language and education.