What is the Cooish? Simply put, it’s a community-led festival, a celebration of all things Manx Gaelic and a reflection of the vibrancy and growth of the indigenous language of our island!

However, much like the language itself, the annual festival is shaped by the community that contributes to it: every year the programme looks different.

There are often talks and workshops, music and singing, conversations in Manx, food, walks, family activities and opportunities to have a go at the language.

Some events are aimed at fluent speakers, while others are designed for people who have never said a word of Manx before. There might be a lecture on a historical topic one minute, and a bilingual cocktail making session the next!

The Cooish began life in 1995 as Feailley Ghaelgagh (Manx Language Festival).

The first festival was organised by the charity Yn Çheshaght Ghailckagh (The Manx Language Society) and it has developed considerably over the years.

In 2002, the name was changed to a more easily pronounceable name: ‘COOSH’ (rhymes with ‘whoosh’!). This useful Manx word has multiple meanings; you can have a cooish – a cosy chat – with someone, but the word can also mean a subject, matter or cause.

Alongside events that you might expect – talks, language classes and Manx conversation – there have long been plenty of activities that might not immediately sound like ‘language events’, from baking classes and treasure hunts, to film nights and pub quizzes.

Music has always been part of the festival; concerts give audiences enjoyable and accessible ways to access language, and interactive song workshops spread knowledge and spark creativity.

In 2025 there were 25 events over five days, and this year the Cooish has gone Vooar – big! – thanks to support from Domestic Event Fund, Island Escapes, and Culture Vannin.

In celebration of Blein ny Gaelgey, the Year of the Manx Language, Cooish Vooar runs from this Friday (September 25) until Tuesday (September 29) bringing together 32 events from introductory Manx workshops in all four corners of the island, to walking tours, singing workshops, the world’s first Manx-language opera, talks, performances, and a major inter-Gaelic concert at the Gaiety Theatre, featuring Scottish Gaelic singer (and the voice of Disney’s ‘Brave’!) Julie Fowlis.

Alongside these events, there’ll be a family-friendly event organised and hosted by charity Mooinjer Veggey (‘Little People’); a Sunday afternoon variety concert celebrating the harvest, organised by Yn Chruinnaght; and an accessible and fascinating discussion between visiting broadcaster Rob Watts and Manx speakers Jen Thistle and Ruth Keggin Gell, held at the Erin Arts Centre on the evening of Monday, September 28.

Though the festival has changed over the years, the reasons for its importance are as relevant as ever: the festival inspires speakers and learners, extends the reach and visibility of Manx, and gives people new to the language ways to find their own way in.

So, will you come and have a cooish with us this year?

Find the full festival programme at www.learnmanx.com and come along – we would LOVE to see you there!