Families and music fans have been enjoying the sound of relaxing music in the grounds of a picturesque heritage site throughout the summer.

Each Sunday during August, Manx National Heritage, together with the Isle of Man Arts Council and Events Management Solutions, have been hosting the ’Picnic in the Abbey’ folk music and dance event in the grounds of Rushen Abbey.

Last weekend, more than 50 people turned out to listen to a performance of Manx harp playing by Arabella Ayen and a set of original folk-pop music from Biskee Brisht, together with a lively performance from the youngsters from the folk-dance group Skeddan Jiarg.

The events have also heard from the jazz-folk group Clash Vooar

The final ’Picnic in the Abbey’ event takes place this weekend with the Mollag Band, Owen Williams and the folk dance group Perree Bane taking part.

’So far it has been a great little event bringing some great music and dance to this iconic location,’ said organiser Peter Young, from Events Management Solution .

l Tickets for the afternoon are £8 for adults and £2 for under-18s, available from manxnationalheritage.com.

Light refreshments are available.

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers