Bumper year for entries in Manx Folk Awards

2026 edition saw over 2,200 kids take part

Thousands of young people from across the Isle of Man took part in this year's edition of the Manx Folk Awards (Aundyryn Kiaull-Theay Vannin).

Culture Vannin has confirmed that over 2,200 entered across the 100 different competition classes from 28 schools.

Held from 19-25 March, they saw children compete in Manx music, song, dance and language.

They are organised annually by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, and Culture Vannin.

Jo Callister, organiser and Deputy Headteacher at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, said: "We've been blown away by the amount of entries and schools joining in for the first time. 

"The Awards focus on participation and enjoyment rather than competition and formality, so it's a great opportunity for our young people to come together and celebrate our music and culture."

This year’s awards were themed around Blein ny Gaelgey – the Year of the Manx Language. 

Dr Chloë Woolley from Culture Vannin added: "This was celebrated through some of the set songs and poem choices, as well as the original song class, which was won by the Dhoon School with a wonderfully positive song, ‘Gow Arrane,’ written by their teacher Dilys Sowrey."

Films of 29 of the performances are now available on the Culture Vannin website and photographs are in the process of being released.

Jo and Chloe are to take the Manx Folk Awards on tour for a series of free ‘Roadshow Concerts’ in May to showcase all of the incredible talent.

Concerts will be taking place on the following provisional dates:

• Douglas - Trinity Rosemount Church at 2.30pm on Sunday 10 May
• Port St Mary - Port St Mary Town Hall at 11am on Saturday 16 May
• Ramsey - St Paul’s Church at 2.30pm on Saturday 16 May
• Peel - Centenary Centre at 2.30pm on Sunday 17 May