There will be a chance to hear the local entry into a prestigious music competition this weekend.

The Arrane Son Mannin, or ’Song for Mann’ competition, takes place at the Peel Masonic Hall on Saturday, January 12, from 7.30pm.

The annual competition looks for the best original song or composition, written within the past year and sung in Manx Gaelic, with the winner going on to compete in the International Pan-Celtic festival, held in Letterkenny, Ireland at Easter.

The multi-lingual song competition sees entries from each of the six Gaelic-speaking nations of Ireland, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall, as well as the Isle of Man, each singing in their own language.

There are also competitions to find the best new song written in the traditional style.

This year, there is only one Manx entry to the competition, despite many initial enquiries.

Isle of Man organiser Fiona McArdle said that the date of the Pan Celtic festival, which takes place between April 23 and 28, clashed with an important local event.

’Unfortunately, this year, there is only one song in the competition, as many of the musicians who expressed an interest in the competition will be taking part in the Guild,’ said Fiona.

’However, we do have an excellent song, written and performed by Juan and Jo Callister, from Kirk Michael, called "Yn Faageyder", which translates as "Leaving Thee".

’It is unfortunate, due to the timings, that we have a short selection, as the Isle of Man usually does very well, and punches above its weight at this competition. ’We also have a good record of doing well in the traditional song competition.’

Matt Creer won the competition two years ago, and Marlene Hendy triumphed in 2015.

’The competition, which is supported by Culture Vannin, is a great way of creating new Manx music, written in a modern style, as opposed to the traditional style,’ said Fiona.

’It is also a great chance to represent the Isle of Man to our Celtic neighbours.’

The free concert also features music from last year’s winners Biskee Brisht, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, Owen Williams, Peddyr as Paul and Matt Creer.