Fires will be built and lit, dancers will writhe through the smoke, leaving spectacular fire trails behind them, warriors will fight in front of the flames and a new queen for the summer will be chosen.

All in all, it’s not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Following the successful first event, held last year, Oie Voaldyn returns to Peel this bank holiday weekend.

Taking place on Sunday, beginning at midday and lasting well into the night, the Oie Voaldyn festival is a day of retelling and celebrating old Manx and Norse customs which would have taken place around this time of year, known as Beltain in the old Celtic calendar.

The main event is a fire show, which begins at 8.30pm with the lighting of two large gorse bonfires on Peel Beach, followed by the arrival of two fire-torch bearing processions, one from the north of the beach and one from the castle. Each procession will herald the arrival of the ceremonial Queens of Winter and Summer, whose champions will battle out to see who will be reign for the year.

Of course, the battle is for show and the Summer Queen will emerge triumphant, which will signal the beginnings of a night of music, celebration, dancing, fireworks and the ’Son et Lumiere’, a fireshow featuring dancers from Spinnin’ Vannin.

Throughout the day there will be a range of activities around the Spit Corner area of Peel promenade, featuring live music, a range of street food, crafts and games.

There is also the chance to purchase a torch and join in with either procession.

Organiser John Shakespeare would like as many people to go along and take part in the community event.

’Ideally, we’re hoping that we have around 200 people in each of our parades,’ said John.

’The torches cost £5, and all the money goes to our chosen charity, the Mannin Cancer support group.

’It is a chance to get dressed up, have fun, hold a lighted torch and join in with either parade.

’It is a unique event in the Isle of Man, and it is one that tries to combine both our Viking and Celtic heritage. ’That makes it very different to other festivals.

’It lets us celebrate our connections with both the Viking and Celtic worlds, and also we get the chance to bring characters in Manx Folklore to life.’

More information is available from oievoaldyn.com

by Mike Wade

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