Pubs around Douglas were filled with the sound of traditional music over the weekend as visitors and residents met to play together.

The Isle of Man Traditional Music Weekend saw the musicians and their supporters – some of whom had come from as far afield as the United States - enjoy five days of sessions, workshops as well as a CD launch.

The weekend kicked off with a ‘fringe’ event at the Black Dog Oven, in Peel on Thursday before the weekend got officially under way the following night at The Manor and The Bridge.

Saturday saw sessions at O’Donnells and Rover’s Return as well as 1886, which was used for the first time this year to accommodate everyone.

A set dancing workshop led by Joe McGorrin and a tune workshop by renowned fiddle player Eileen O’Brien, were held at Tower House, which was also the venue for the launch of a CD celebrating the life and music of composer and accordion player Paddy O’Brien.

The Prospect was the venue for an afternoon and night of music on Sunday. And finally, a ‘survivors’ session’ was held at Quids Inn, on Monday.

Noreen Lydon ,a New York accordion player, attended the event for the first time with her sister.

She said it had been a ‘fantastic weekend’ and said she had ‘never been anywhere I’ve been treated so well’.

Tom Hanson, who has been coming to the event for years, described the weekend as ‘the best Isle of Man trad weekend ever’.

Isle of Man fiddle player Katie Lawrence said it was the most sessions she had played in a long time - five sessions in five days, with some of the most accomplished musicians she has seen.

Katie said she particularly enjoyed playing with fiddle-playing aristocrat Benny McHugh, from Glasgow, who she described as being like a jukebox of tunes.

Benny, a regular at the Isle of Man Trad weekend and visiting with his brothers and friends, is the son of the famous fiddle player, composer and collector of tunes Jimmy McHugh.

Organisers include Mary Molloy, Chris Woodrow and Susan Coyle.

They thanked all the venues, The Welbeck Hotel where the visitors stayed, Culture Vannin, the Isle of Man Arts Council and Visit Isle of Man for their support.

They thanked the Manx dancers and musicians who went out and supported the workshop events and weekend sessions.

And they thanked everyone who went along to listen and participate throughout the weekend, saying: ‘Engaged audience support is essential to create the atmosphere for the success and fun of the weekend.’