Stormy weather failed to dampen spirits in Douglas as Culture Vannin staged its ‘Big Manx Day Out’ celebrating the island's language, culture and traditions.

Despite the ‘drogh emshir’ (bad weather), residents turned out to enjoy a programme of activities marking the Year of the Manx Language, autumn traditions and Hop tu Naa.

Among the attractions was a Manx mini market at the Strand Shopping Centre, featuring Midas Made, Yindyssagh Prints, Wearable Manx, Mooinjer Veggey, Manx BirdLife and Keird Collective.

Little Moot Studio also hosted a drop-in craft workshop, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Douglas, Phil Gawne and Aalin Clague led Manx singing sessions at the Conister Arms, while Culture Vannin's James Franklin delivered a series of talks exploring the island's folklore.

Tiffany Kerruish, Year of the Manx Language Coordinator, welcomed the response to the event despite the difficult weather conditions.

She said: ‘Saturday’s event raised the profile of the Manx language and introduced it to a new audience. The reaction everywhere was enthusiastic, and we’re keen to deliver further engagement activities in Douglas – hopefully with better weather next time!’

Other venues across the capital also joined in the celebrations, offering activities for families and children.

Douglas City Library hosted Culture Vannin's family-friendly craft and music workshops, where participants created colourful Hop tu Naa and autumn-themed bunting.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn traditional Hop tu Naa songs, including the well-known tale of Jinny the Witch.

At the Villa Marina Arcade, youngsters made monster masks while learning Manx words and discovering characters from the island's folklore.

A family-friendly ‘Moot Art Trail’ also took place, supported by an Isle of Man Arts Council community grant.

Culture Vannin thanked Douglas City Centre Management, Douglas City Library, the Conister Arms and the Strand Centre for their support, alongside the Isle of Man Arts Council and the Domestic Event Fund.

All pictures by Jonathan Burton.

Manx Music Development Officer for Culture Vannin, Chloe Woolley, leads families in the Hop tu Naa dance
Culture Vannin’s Manx Music Development Officer Chloe Woolley leads families in a Hop tu Naa dance (Jonathan Burton)
Manx Day Out in Douglas celebrated Blein ny Gaelgey - Year of the Manx Language - and featured a whole host of events throughout the day
The Big Manx Day Out in Douglas celebrated Blein ny Gaelgey - Year of the Manx Language - and featured a whole host of events throughout the day (Jonathan Burton)
Just some of the young participants who took part in one of Culture Vannin's bunting making workshops at Douglas City Library
Some of the children who took part in one of Culture Vannin's bunting making workshops at Douglas City Library ( Jonathan Burton)
James Franklin from Culture Vannin explains the Manx year in a folklore talk
Culture Vannin’s James Franklin introduces visitors to the Manx words for the seasons (Jonathan Burton)
Caitlin Bennett and Chloe Woolley perform music and song for youngsters at Douglas City Library
Caitlin Bennett and Chloe Woolley perform music and song for youngsters at Douglas City Library (Jonathan Burton)
Both children and adults alike enjoyed creating moots in a drop-in craft workshop at the Strand Centre, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council
Children and adults alike drew pictures of moots during a drop-in craft workshop at the Strand Centre. The activity was supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council ( Jonathan Burton)
A young member of the public spots one of Little Moot Studio's colourful painted 'moots', complete with Manx word
A visitor discovers one of Little Moot Studio’s colourful painted ‘moots’, each featuring a Manx word (Jonathan Burton)
A bunting making workshop participant compiling their letters at the 'pick n mix' table, to spell out Hop tu Naa
The bunting making workshop was a huge hit (Jonathan Burton)