Next year marks a monumental one in the Manx calendar as the island prepares to celebrate ‘Blein ny Gaelgey – Year of the Manx Language 2026'.

A total of £26,000 has been awarded by Culture Vannin through its Year of the Manx Language grants.

The funding will support a wide range of imaginative and innovative projects designed to highlight Manx Gaelic and bring it to new audiences both on and off the Isle of Man.

With initiatives spanning music, education, community engagement, art, and digital culture, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for the language’s revival and visibility.

Among the most anticipated developments are several ambitious music and audio projects.

A brand-new Manx language podcast will dive into the history of the language, as well as looking at how it operates currently in the island and what’s to come in future years. Offering listeners an accessible, engaging way to connect with Manx Gaelic.

Another major highlight will be the debut of the first-ever Manx language opera, set to premiere in summer 2026.

Contemporary music also features prominently in the programme.

Five electronic tracks blending spoken and sung Manx will be created in collaboration with singers and speakers from across the island, showcasing the language in a fresh and modern format.

A young band of Manx musicians will release their debut album featuring original compositions and traditional material, all with a strong focus on Manx Gaelic singing.

In addition, nine new compositions have been commissioned for the Isle of Man’s Fire and Folk festivals, promising vibrant and contemporary interpretations of Manx musical heritage.

Education and community initiatives form another key pillar of the grant programme.

Sulby Primary School will launch ‘Bringing Music to the Playground,’ an initiative designed to provide pupils with interactive musical activities that connect learning with creativity.

Families will benefit from a new Manx Gaelic course aimed at parents and carers, enabling them to support the next generation in adopting and enjoying the language within a community music setting.

Adult learners will also see new resources, including a collection of short stories created specifically to meet the growing demand for accessible Manx language materials. A season of public talks, scheduled for early 2026, will further engage communities by exploring the stories, significance, and cultural context of Manx Gaelic.

The arts and cultural sector will also play a major role in the year’s celebrations.

‘Wearable Manx,’ a new clothing range inspired by Manx identity and language, will offer supporters a stylish way to express their cultural pride.

Foxdale Primary School will host the creation of a large-scale outdoor mural, bringing Manx Gaelic visually into the heart of the playground and offering pupils a daily reminder of their linguistic heritage.

Meanwhile, a series of animated videos featuring interviews with Manx speakers will help preserve voices, stories, and lived experiences in an accessible digital format.

More information about Year of the Manx Language is available online at yearofmanx.im.