Most bands would only dream about playing a gig under the magic of the northern lights.

But that is exactly what one Manx group did earlier this year.

Jeceris, a local rock group featuring the well-known Manx blues guitarist and singer, Barry Nelson, made the journey to the remote Lofoten islands, situated in the far north of Norway, deep inside the Arctic circle, to take part in the Henningsvaer Festival, between September 14to 19, which also featured the US group Hayseed Dixie.

The four-piece group, which also features bassist Val Nelson, drummer Noah Egelnick and lead guitarist Alex Duke, played three gigs over the course of the festival, sharing stages with the other guest bands .

Their appearance at the festival was a belated one, as the group were originally booked to play at the inaugural festival in 2016.

However, their plans were put on hold after Barry suffered a serious accident, and the appearance was cancelled.

Thankfully, the festival organisers, who also play in a band called ’The Moonshiners’, and who met Barry and Val during one of their visits to the TT, kept a slot available for this year’s festival.

’The first gig was crazy and packed by people from all over Scandinavia,’ said Barry.

’After our gig, there was a mad jam with The Moonshiners and Hayseed Dixie. It was crazy!’

You can only imagine the sound, and we thoroughly enjoyed the gig.’

They also played at the end-of-show party, in a small harbour side venue at Klatrakafeen.

’Sister Jones, a band from Sweden, played first and Jeceris finished the night. It was amazing,’ he said.

’Norway is one of the places to visit and play with a band. Due to the remote location, it took a lot of organisation over several months but was well worth it. The quality of the touring bands was top, and we were honoured to perform alongside them.’

’It was wonderful to rub shoulders and play with some of the best musicians in the World today.

’We made a lot of friends in Norway and Norway made a lot of friends via us.

’Music is a language shared the world over and this is why we do this.’

Jeceris thanked the Isle of Man Arts Council, who provided funds towards the cost of the travel.

by Mike Wade

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