Some of the finest folk talent on the island performed alongside top Irish , Scottish and Welsh musicians and the recent Yn Chruinnaght Celtic gathering festival, which took place over five days last week.

Beginning with a showcase concert, featuring the three Manx BBC Radio 2 folk awards winners, Mera Royle, Tom Callister and Adam Rhodes, on stage with their electrifying pan-Celtic group Imar, the festival featured music, dance and culture from the six Celtic nations.

Las performed Scottish and Irish dance, and the Welsh festival group NoGood Boyo played a raucous set on the Friday Night, before Irish folk legends Altan finished off the festival concerts.

There was also a weekend of display at the House of Mannanan, with Breton and Irish dancing, alongside the Manx dancers of Perree Bane and Skeddan Jiarg.

Jo Callister, one of the festival organisers, said:

’We’re all delighted that Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering 2018 was such a great success, especially as it was our 40th Anniversary.

’Those who attended the Ian O’Leary lecture this year, presented by Yn Chruinnaght committee member, Bob Carswell, will know that the 2018 Celtic Gathering has come along way and despite several changes.

’The ethos remains the same, celebrating and sharing our Celtic music, song, traditions and dance with all the other Celtic nations and making links and friendships, old and new.’

Jo thanked the sponsors Culture Vannin, the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Ireland, Thornton Ltd, Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust andYear of Our Island 2018.