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A week of music, dance and Celtic culture has now come to an end in Peel, with Yn Chruinnaght’s Celtic Gathering Festival marking its 48th year in 2026.
The festival was based primarily in Peel, with fringe events also taking place in Douglas, Castletown and Maughold.
It brought together 15 visiting artists from Wales, Ireland, Cornwall and Scotland, alongside musicians, singers and dancers from across the island.
The festival also welcomed Redwing Blackbird, a group of 11 young dancers from Massachusetts in the United States, who took part in a number of dance performances during the week.
Events took place throughout the day and into the evenings, including busking sessions, performances outside the House of Manannan and live music on Peel Beach as part of ‘Tunes er y Traie’.
Daily lunchtime sessions were also held at Noa Market Hall, featuring Manx and visiting musicians.
Among the headline performances at Peel Centenary Centre was a collaboration between Manx musician and songwriter Isla Callister and Donegal musician Cathal O’Currain.
Their ‘Donegal x Manx’ project brought together musical traditions from the Isle of Man and Donegal.
Saltfishforty also performed during the festival, supported by Clash Vooar.
St German’s Cathedral hosted two sell-out céilís during the week, before welcoming musicians, singers and dancers for the Saturday Gathering.
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The afternoon event took place alongside the Peel Produce Show in the neighbouring Corrin Hall, bringing together the two events in the centre of the town.
Chloë Woolley, festival committee secretary, commented: ‘It was wonderful to see Peel filled with music, song and dancing throughout the week.
‘We were delighted to welcome performers from across the Celtic nations and to see them sharing the programme with so many talented local performers.
‘The support from the community, our volunteers, venues, businesses and funders make Yn Chruinnaght possible, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s festival such a big success.’
