A record 75 people took part in this year’s Manx language summer school, with organisers celebrating the growing interest in learning and using the language.

‘Scoill Souree’, meaning Summer School, was established by Culture Vannin in 2023 with two courses and 20 students. This year, eight courses were held throughout the week, up from five last year.

Around two-thirds of this year’s attendees live in the island, while the remaining third travelled from countries including Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, as well as North America.

Ruth Keggin Gell forms part of the Culture Vannin team, she said the increase was ‘brilliant’, adding that the growth in student numbers had been accompanied by a rise in the number of courses available.

The summer school was designed to give learners opportunities to use Manx outside the classroom, with this year’s event once again coinciding with Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering.

Most courses took place during the mornings, allowing students to spend their afternoons exploring the island and attending concerts and workshops as part of the festival.

Ruth said charity Culture Vannin wanted to combine language learning with cultural and social opportunities when Scoill Souree was initially established.

The location of the courses in the west of the island also created ‘lots of very natural opportunities’ for students to practise and use Manx in real-life situations.

Ruth believes it is important for learners to have opportunities to speak Manx socially, rather than simply studying it.

She said: ‘Manx isn’t confined to books.’

Explaining that creating friendly and supportive spaces for people to use the language can help them grow in confidence and become more comfortable with making mistakes.

Students’ confidence grew throughout the week, with many engaging with Manx outside the classroom and forming friendships with people on different courses.

‘We were very proud of everyone who took part.’

Many of the students who took part in Scoill Souree plan to continue their Manx learning journey in September.

A high energy fly-swatting game leaves intermediate class member Annie Watkins victorious
A high energy fly-swatting game leaves intermediate class member Annie Watkins victorious (Culture Vannin)
Bright and colourful flashcards, created especially for Culture Vannin Manx classes by artist Vicky Webb
Bright and colourful flashcards, created especially for Culture Vannin Manx classes by artist Vicky Webb (Culture Vannin)
Culture Vannin's Summer School was intentionally timed to coincide with Yn Chruinnaght; students had the opportunity to access lots of cultural opportunities through the week
Culture Vannin's Summer School was intentionally timed to coincide with Yn Chruinnaght; students had the opportunity to access lots of cultural opportunities through the week (Culture Vannin)
Culture Vannin had a book stall which students could peruse, with titles such as the Manx Gaelic translations of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Gruffalo's Child
Culture Vannin had a book stall which students could peruse, with titles such as the Manx Gaelic translations of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Gruffalo's Child (Culture Vannin)
Just some of the 75 adult students who took part in Scoill Souree 2026, along with teachers and assistants
Just some of the 75 adult students who took part in Scoill Souree 2026, along with teachers and assistants (Culture Vannin)
Lower intermediate students have fun in an interactive group activity
Lower intermediate students have fun in an interactive group activity (Culture Vannin)
Teacher Feena Wilson created a bright, supportive and engaging atmosphere for beginner learners
Teacher Feena Wilson created a bright, supportive and engaging atmosphere for beginner learners (Culture Vannin)
Students practised weather forecasting while honing their grammar skills in an upper intermediate class with teacher Ruth Keggin Gell
Students practised weather forecasting while honing their grammar skills in an upper intermediate class with teacher Ruth Keggin Gell (Culture Vannin)