Speakers and enthusiasts of the Manx tongue spent the weekend speaking, singing, writing and engaging in conversation during a two-day festival dedicated to the national language.

The 2019 ’Cooish’ Manx language festival gave people the chance to find out and learn more about speaking Manx Gaelic, and the and efforts that are being made to encourage others to learn the language.

Organised by members of various Manx speaking and cultural organisations, such as Pobble, Jeebin, a Manx language network, and Culture Vannin, the weekend saw a series of informal get-togethers, such as pop-up Gaeltachts, areas where speaking Gaelic was encouraged, in locations such as the Marks and Spencer cafe, on Friday morning, and at the St John’s Methodist Hall on Saturday afternoon, where people could engage in ’coloayrtys’, or conversation in Gaelic over a ’cabban dy hey as y berreen’, or a cup of tea and a cake.

There was also a musical workshop for younger children, with music teacher Laura Rowles leading kids in sing-along with Manx children’s songs, at the Henry Bloom Noble Library, on Friday afternoon.

The weekend came to an end with a night of music, poetry, film and more conversation at the Peel Sailing Club, with music from Jack McLean and a new blues and folk duo featuring Aalin Clague and Pete Woodman, along with Gaelic poetry from Annie Kissack.

The weekend also the awarding of two awards for people who were recognised for their efforts in working with Manx Gaelic.

Educational officer Jo Callister became the first recipient of the Aundyr Brian Stowell, an award from Pobble given out for innovative use of the language and named after the late Dr Brian Stowell.

Jo wrote two children’s books, Kitty as ny Kiarkyn and Kitty Jinny: Buitch ny Linnaghyn, for which she received first and second prize.

Felicity Wood received the third prize for her artwork which is often created around Manx Gaelic.

Newscaster Paul Moulton received the ’Londeyr’, Manx Gaelic for ’lantern’, award from Jeebin for his support of the Manx language in news broadcasts.

Other highlights of the festival was the first showing of a charming video, filmed and produced by children from the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, on what Tynwald Day means through the eyes of children.

The festival was led by the Manx language officer Adrian Cain, who said that the weekend reflected the growing number of people who are learning how to speak Manx.

’What impressed me in particular was the dedication to the language, by both young and old,’ said Adrian.

’There was also a determination to see the language become part of our everyday life and to share this great cultural asset with all those who see this island as their home.’

The festival even had a visitor from as far away as Kazakhstan.

Chris Trickett, a self-taught Gaelic speaker who learned to speak Manx through the learnmanx.com website, took part in many of the activities.