Peel will be filled with music, dance and Celtic culture this weekend with two days of celebrations, held as part of the Yn Chruinnaght festival.

Also known as the Celtic Gathering, the festival sees a day of activities on Saturday in the grounds of Peel Cathedral, followed by an afternoon of performance outside the House of Mannanan, on Peel harbour.

The Saturday gathering will see an artisan craft fair take place inside Corrin Hall, next to the cathedral, and will feature a range of artists and crafters from around the six countries in the Celtic diaspora.

There will also be concerts, recitals and performances inside the Cathedral itself, with Manx folk music performed by Scran, the Bunscoill Rhumsaa group Share ny Veg, Arbory School, Dylis Sowry and guitarist Mark Lawrence.

The music will open at midday with the visiting Scottish group, the Glenbervie folk duo.

There will also be dancing displays and sessions in the outside labyrinth space, featuring Manx folk dancers Skeddan Jiarg, Irish dancing from the local group Scoill Daunse Yernagh and Perree bane.

There is also a Cornish dance session, where people can join in and have a go.

The Saturday gathering is free to enter, and lasts from midday to 5pm.

Perree bane return for the Sunday gathering, together with a performance from the Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, Greg Joughin and the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums.

They will be joined by the local group Rhythms of Bulgaria and a Fez Noz dance with the Breton singers Lors Landat and Thomas Moisson, from 4pm.

There will also be Gaelic language workshops throughout the day, including lessons in speaking Manx, Cornish and Breton.

Local craftsman John ’Dog’ Callister will give demonstrations on making bumbee cages, and there will also be a bagpiping lesson for beginners.

Organiser Chloe Woolley said that the weekend gatherings are a key part of the overall festival.

’It is important to the ethos of Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering that the whole community can get involved in the festival,’ said Chloe.

’We’re really pleased to be able to return to the Cathedral and Corrin Hall in Peel for an afternoon of free events on Saturday.

’The craft fair in the Corrin Hall will showcase some of the best artisans in the island.

’The House of Manannan has also become a favourite location for our free community entertainment, so from midday to 5pm on Sunday, everyone can enjoy music and dance displays, or have a go at learning the basics of several Celtic languages.

by Mike wade

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