New and original music written in the Manx language will be performed at an annual music contest this weekend.

The Arrane Son Mannin, or Song For Mann competition, takes place at the Peel Masonic Hall, Stanley Road, Peel on Saturday, January 11, from 7.30pm.

The competition looks to find the best original song, composed and written purely in Manx Gaelic, with the winning entry going forward to represent the Isle of Man in the Pan Celtic festival of Music and Culture, held in Carlow, Ireland, during April.

There, the Manx song will go up against songs written in Welsh, Scots, Irish, Cornish and Breton in the international song competition.

There are two acts entered in this year’s local competition, and they will be joined by a line -up of traditional Manx singers and musicians.

The Manx Gaelic choir Clioagaree Twoaie will sing, along with the former young singer of the Isle of Man, Erin Loach.

Flautist Peddyr Cubberly will accompany the young harpist Arabella Ayen, a student at Ramsey Grammar School.

Both Arabella and Erin are members of the youth folk group Scran, as are multi-instrumentalists Owen Williams and Jack McLean, who will also perform on the night, alongside former Manx Bard Annie Kissack and the Kilgallon family.

The evening is backed by Culture Vannin, who provide the top prize of £300 for the winning entry.

Music development officer Chloe Woolley said that the Isle of Man is always well represented at the Pan Celtic festival and hopes that this year will be no different.

’Each year, the Arrane son Mannin competition gives the impetus to musicians of various genres to compose new songs in Manx Gaelic,’ said Chloe.

’The Pan-Celtic festival itself is a great opportunity to showcase Manx culture and language on an international platform alongside its Celtic cousins, and in turn, make new connections for our own musicians and festivals.

’For many years, Fiona McArdle has devoted her spare time to organising the Arrane son Mannin contest and festival delegation, and she always ensures the Isle of Man has a strong presence at this prestigious festival.’

Last year’s winners were Juan and Jo Callister, singing with the group ’Drogh Yndiss’.

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers