Manx band compete in finals of Europe’s largest Celtic festival

Scran place fourth in internationally recognised competition

A Manx youth band made it to the final of Europe’s largest Celtic festival this weekend.

Scran, led by David Kilgallon, came fourth overall in the race for the Trophée Loïc Raison (or 'Loic Raison Celtic Music Trophy') at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient (or 'Lorient Interceltic Festival') in Brittany.

Held every year over 10 days, the festival is 'the world’s largest gathering of Celts, attracting more than 950,000 visitors and spectators each year'.

In a post on social media, the group thanked the great crowds and everyone in the Manx delegation for their support at the festival, saying: "It's safe to say fourth place in the Trophée Loïc Raison isn't too shabby at all."

Here on the Island, Culture Vannin have been cheering the group on from afar, saying: "We are so incredibly proud of our young musicians!

"We have heard so many reports about how wonderful they are - as musicians, singers and dancers, and as ambassadors for the Isle of Man. 

"We are very proud of them, as we know you will be.

"Here’s to a fabulous Manx delegation, and to our amazing youth group led by the über-talented David Kilgallon."