Musicians, singers, dancers and performers from some of the different communities who call the island home will take part in a day of global celebration this weekend.

Representatives from some of the many different nationalities that live in the Isle of Man will take part in a free day of global celebration, held in the grounds of Peel Cathedral on Saturday, August 31, from midday.

The free family day forms a major part of the Our Island: Our World festival of global culture, and gives people the chance to meet, talk and find out about the communities from China, Gambia, Italy, India, Nigeria, Poland, the Philippines, Uganda and many more, alongside those from the Isle of Man.

There will also be a full programme of entertainment inside and in the gardens of the cathedral throughout the afternoon, with displays by local folk dancers Skeddan Jiarg, the Sharon Rye School of Irish Dance, Chinese lion dancing, Indian dancing by Linette Joseph and belly dancing by Gwenael La Sirene.

There will also be a one-off performance by a unique Manx-Bulgaria collaboration, featuring Manx musicians David Kilgallon and Paul Rogers and Bulgarian piper Vlad Stefanoff.

These will be joined by performances from festival guests Faith i Branko, koru player Kebba Susso, blues guitarist John Barker and the Manx folk group Scran.

Our Island: Our World festival organiser David McLean said that the family day was a popular feature of the inaugural festival, held last year, and it was something they wanted to build on for the future.

’We live in an increasingly divided world, and anything we can do to bring us all together is worthwhile,’ said Dave.

’The global celebration is a free event suitable for all the family, and it gives the 164 communities on the island an opportunity to share their cultures.’

’We are particularly excited this year to present the "Manx Bulgarian Project", which has been funded by Culture Vannin and, having been privy to the rehearsals, I can say this is definitely not to be missed,’ Dave added.

’This is great opportunity to come along, have fun, experience other people’s food and culture, and to meet new people.’

More details are available from ourfestival.im