Not all festivals have to be big, bombastic, blown out affairs, believes the organisers of one of the island’s more intimate weekend events.

Now in its fourth year, the Tinkermann festival, which takes place in two weeks’ time at three venues across the island, will be making sure that they stick to that idea, and provide quality, not quantity, where the music is concerned.

Taking place over a weekend in mid-August, the Tinkermann festival is resolutely a quiet affair, which suits organiser Mark Armstrong down to the ground.

’We started to do these festivals after the Isle of Man Bay festival was cancelled in 2012,’ he said.

’ I looked at them and I thought that, time and again, they are just too big. The island might be able to grow something like that eventually, but you don’t start at that scale.

’My idea was to do something small scale, keep it protected against the weather and make it free during the day.

’The idea was that it never gets cancelled, not even the weather can stop it, hence our motto "the Sun always shines on the Tinkermann".

’We’ve got the indoor venue reserved for the day. If it chucks it down during the day, we will always move in indoors.’

The festival starts on Saturday, August 12, with an afternoon of free music in the Villa Marina gardens.

The evening will see solo performer Warren Attwell and the highly-rated Manchester group The Travelling Band play in the Promenade suite.

The Travelling Band have been quietly honing what BBC 6 Music presenter Marc Riley describes as ’Mancunian Americana’.

Their influences highlight the band’s love of American indie rock, but with an identifiable Mancunian twist.

’I saw them with my son last year at the Skegness Folk festival, and we were blown away by them,’ said Mark.

’But even though they were at a folk festival, they were more like an Indie Band. I would compare them more with Turin Brakes.

They have the same style of very melodic music, with two voices dominating, with acoustic instruments and cracking songs. ’

The focus switches to the Peel Centenary Centre on Sunday August 13, which will see solo performer Alex Hulme, a Tinkermann regular, headline.

Hulme has played in the island many times before,and his high energy, inventive style of play using a series of loop pedals has won him a legion of fans.

’I love the guy,’ said Mark.

’He says everybody is comparing him to Ed Sheeran, even though his songs are very different.

’But in terms of the skill, using two loop pedals and the way he brings them in and out is just unbelievable. He’s got great presence too. ’

There is more of an emotional connection with the appearance of the third name on the bill, Belfast singer/songwriter Warren Attwell, who will be appearing on both nights of the festival.

Warren was originally brought to the island in March by the late music promoter, the much-missed Jonno Gollow.

Jonno and Mark were very close, and frequently worked together to bring acts over to the island. Jonno’s death clearly hit Mark hard, and he wanted to mark it at this year’s festival.

’Warren Attwell is playing a tribute to Jonno,’ he said.

’I’m still not over his death to be honest. We were friends, the same age, and were very similar.

’I thought as part of the general theme of things this year, I would pay my respects to him. So I asked Warren to come and be part of this. When he came as part of the Belfast songwriters’ circle, he really stood out for me. I thought he was world class. His songs are instantly memorable.’

In addition, Warren will be playing a Sunday afternoon ’brunch’ session, at the HQ bar, on Empire Terrace in Douglas, which have become a feature of the Tinkermann experience.

’They are great fun,’ said Mark.

’It is just a chance to have some food, a drink, and enjoy the music in a very intimate way. They are a good way of spending Sunday afternoon.’

Tickets are £15 for the Saturday night and £12.50 for the Sunday evening show, available from the Villa Marina Box Office, the Welcome Centre or by phoning 600555.

Tickets for the Sunday brunch event are available only over the phone.

Tinkermann is sponsored by the Steam Packet and the Isle of Man Arts Council.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@mwislandlife