Maralyn Crellin introduces this edition of Shiaght Laa, the final one in this series. After a look at some forthcoming events, we find out about Charlotte de Tremoille, the Countess of Derby, wife of James Stanlagh (yn Stanlagh Mooar), the 7th Earl of Derby, and the siege of Lathom House in Lancashire - as described in song by Steeleye Span. The Co…

Fiona McArdle introduces an edition of Shiaght Laa in which - we hear about some of the opportunities to enjoy events in the week ahead; we hear of a new publication by Dr Peter Davey about 'Rushen Abbey : one hundred years of excavation'; we try to find out about why to the Manx people the 18th May was called Laa'l Spitlhin Souree; and we look at …

From this year's Manx Music, Speech and Dance Festival, the Guild, we enjoy award winning performances from the winner of the Sheffield Plate, Breesha Kelsey, and of the Cleveland Medal, Neil Taverner. A recording of Dollin Kelly's performance of T E Brown's 'Betsy Lee' has just been made available online at Culture Vannin's website, and we hear a …

Maralyn Crellin takes us into the Villa Marina for the Guild as we hear about the junior and senior blue riband awards, the Sheffield Plate and the Cleveland Medal. Then we go outside and join Manx Wildlife Trust's Community Ranger, Hannah Phillips, for information about the end of Manx Wildlife Week - and beyond. The calendar has already passed 1s…

Fiona McArdle is our host as we hear about Manx Wildlife Week (27th April - 4th May), which brings together Manx National Heritage, the Manx Wildlife Trust and UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and many of the volunteer groups they each support. The programme can be found at this website - https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/ We hear an overview fr…

We hear of two recent publications in this edition, the first of which is 'Dreich Planet 2 - Isle of Man', with poetry from the Island. Guest editors for the international publishing venture, Annie Kissack and Hazel Teare, tell us about, and we hear the first poem in the collection by their fellow guest editor, David Callin. The other is 'Stranding…

Fiona McArdle introduces the final programme in this series. We start with a reminder of Ruth Keggin Gell's workshops on Taizé chants (with an explanation of their background) and on Manx for worship on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th January. Later on we hear Ruth herself reminding us of Culture Vannin's Manx lessons on Zoom each Wednesday from 17th…

2nd January marks the anniversary of the death of Illiam Dhone, William Christian, by firing squad in 1663, an event lamented in song and in poetry ever since. We hear from yn Greinneyder, Culture Vannin's Manx Language Development Officer, Ruth Keggin Gell, about workshops at Thie dy Vea in Peel for Manx in worship, and also more general another w…

As we approach y Chegeesh Ommidjagh, the Foolish Fortnight of y Nollick, the Manx Christmas, we listen to some seasonal pieces that have been composed in comparatively recent years. We hear - S'feayr yn oie (Annie Kissack); Carval Chreneash (Annie Kissack); Christmas Star (Marilyn Cannell); Shinyn ny deiney (Annie Kissack); Deiney creeney (Bob Cars…

Maralyn Crellin introduces a programme in which James Franklin, the Online and Educational Resource Officer of Culture Vannin, tells us about a new publication, 'A Guide to the Folklore Sites of the Isle of Man', the result of a five-year project between Katie Newton, Sam Hudson and himself. Margaid Bird is a founder-member of Ramsey-based Manx Gae…

Fiona McArdle is your host for this edition. The Isle of Man Poetry Society has monthly meetings at the Archibald Knox public house in Onchan, and there's one on Sunday 3rd December at 7.30pm. Chair of the Society, Bethany de Legh Runciman, talks about poetry and about opportunities to write and perform it. And as the programme goes out on Laa'l An…

There's an important date coming up on 1st December, because that's the deadline for two important matters. It's the final day by which to nominate a person or a group for the prestigious annual award, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, to be awarded early in the New Year. Breesha Maddrell of Culture Vannin tells us about that. Coming up from 10th Februar…

In the final programme in this series, Maralyn Crellin gives an overview of musical events during the coming week, and we dip into musical treats of yesteryear with songs by Florrie Forde - the final 'Kelly' song from 1920, 'Kelly's Got Married Today' and from 1930 asks, 'What Happened to the Manx Cat's Tail?'. As we often say in Shiaght Laa, peopl…

Fiona McArdle is our guide through the programme this week. Loaghtan Books have published a book that takes us to many unexpected corners and fascinating facts about the Island and its people. It's called 'Manx Myths, Mysteries and Miscellanies'. It's based on the research and articles of journalist and author, the late Robert Kelly. We hear about …

As well as hearing about other opportunities to enjoy a range of music, Yn Chruinnaght is in full swing and we hear from Jo Callister and Chloe Woolley about events from Thursday evening 27th July to Sunday 30th July. Almost on the eve of the Southern District Agricultural Show, we hear from show Secretary, Zoe Hampton, this year's President (and f…

We look to the west for the most part this time, as Maralyn Crellin tells us about the Peel Traditional Boat Weekend from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July, and that's followed by Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th July. However, in addition to events in Peel, Yn Chruinnaght also includes a series of events in Douglas and…

Since 1979, the North American Manx Association has made an annual award of a series of specially-minted silver medals to young people of the Island who display eminence in aspects of the Island's cultural and community life. This year the ceremony to award these medals, plus two prizes of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for the most…

This is the last programme in this series of 'Shiaght Laa' and it's presented by Fiona McArdle, RBV. IOM Post Office has just issued a set of ten stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Manx Wildlife Trust with designs by MWT Artist in Residence, Clare Payne. We hear more about the work of MWT from Community Ranger, Hannah Phillips, includi…

Jen Adams, the Outreach and Education Manager for the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch talks about the three-month project, The Manx Nature Show, which the Watch is steering and which opens in St German's Cathedral on 18th February, running through till 6th May. Taking part in The Manx Nature Show will be 22 environmental organisations, including the M…

We join the ceremony for the investiture of Shiaght Laa presenter, Fiona McArdle, as Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, the Island's highest cultural award. We hear from Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin, and briefly from the Culture Vannin Chairman, Chris Thomas MHK, before we hear from Fiona herself. Moylley as soylley da Fiona McArdle, RBV! In a…

Fiona McArdle introduces the programme in which we hear from the Young Singer of Mann competitions. Congratulations to Anna Tamarova, winner of the junior category (7-12) and Eve Puzzar, winner of the senior category (13-18). We also hear of Laa'l Moirrey ny Gainle, the Manx Candlemas (2nd February) and of Black Saturday, when Dumbell's Bank failed…

After a brief overview of events into the weekend, we join Pip Rolfe of the Erin Arts Centre to hear about the Young Singer of Mann competition, in two categories this year, the young age group on Saturday 28th January and the older age range on Sunday 29th January. The panel of adjudicators is chaired by Angela Stewart, who tells us about the judg…

There are interesting exhibitions running at the Manx Museum in Douglas and the House of Manannan in Peel, and we hear of a concert in Bride. Mostly, though, we look forward to Wednesday 25th January, which happens to be Laa'l Paul. Can the weather on that day really foretell the state of the world? Wednesday 25th January sees a presentation by Dav…

Son dhooragh, shoh claare er ny chebbal liorish Fiona McArdle myr red frea ec jerrey yn straih dy chlaareyn y cheayrt shoh. 'Sy chiaghtoo chlaare shoh (ayns straih as shey claareyn ayn!) ta shin clashtyn mychione y scansh jeh Shenn Houney (11 & 12 Mee Houney), as eisht ersooyl lhien gys 'Rhumsaa - Eisht as Nish', son yn chiaroo lioar ayns straih li…

From the official opening of the Museum 100 exhibition, eighth Manx Bard, Michael Manning, gives his poem about the Manx Museum, and HE Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Lorimer, gives an overview of his predecessors' involvement in promoting the Manx Museum, culminating in its opening in its current iconic building in Douglas on 2nd November 1922. Cha…

Maralyn Crellin is your host for this edition of 'Shiaght Laa'. 'Museum 100' is an exhibition at the Manx Museum in Douglas to celebrate 100 years of the Manx Museum in that very building. The exhibition is now open, ready for the centenary, but there was a preview, at which we hear Director of the Manx Museum, Connie Lovel, and the Chairman of the…

Fiona McArdle introduces the programme, reminding us that on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October there are more opportunities to see the musical presentation about the Star of India by Ramsey-based theatre group, Cloiederyn. We heard last time about the recent official re-starting of the Great Laxey Wheel. Whilst the Wheel was being re-started, h…

After two years of work, the first phase of repairs to the Great Laxey Wheel has been completed. A ceremony was held on Wednesday 12th October to re-start the Lady Isabella, as she was dubbed when the Wheel opened in 1854. We hear from: the Chairman of the Manx Museum and National Trust,Jonathan Hall; the Director of the Manx Museum, Connie Lovel; …

Maralyn Crellin gives an overview of the second Port Erin Jazz Festival (7th & 8th October) and a visit by Yorkshire bluesman, Howlin' Mat, with concerts in Peel on Saturday 8th and Port Erin on Sunday 9th. The major part of the programme is given over to Brian King talking about he became involved in research about HMS Racehorse, which went down w…

Fiona McArdle is your host as we hear about the Isle of Man Poetry Society's Poetry Trail 2022 - available until 28th October - and hear two poems from it. David Martin and Charles Guard open an exhibition of painting by the late David Fletcher at the House of Manannan in Peel. Artist Kate Jerry tells us of an open studio day at the Artreach Studio…

Final edition of the present series with Fiona McArdle. The Manannan Festival, the publication of a new collection of poetry and Tynwald - how does it work?By Manx Radio

This week, the team take a look at the Manannan Festival, Loughtan Books and Laa Columb KilleyBy Manx Radio

In this week's edition, Bob looks at Make Music Day, the Sophia Morrison Award and he hears about the life of James Alfred Curphey.By Manx Radio

Bob Carswell brings us voices from the TT and Manx Grand Prix, also news of the Celtic Media Festival and Manx involvement and looks at 40 years of Culture Vannin.By Manx Radio

Fiona McArdle presents the programme as Shiaght Laa hears from Phil Craine about Praying the Keeills 2022, and about two art exhibitions - Chief Executive of Hospice IOM, Anne Mills, tells us about The Big Splash Art Trail and how it will help support the work of the Hospice; and artist Paul Parker and curator Hannah Murphy of Manx National Heritag…

Shiaght Laa returns for a new series. Marilyn Crellin gives an overview of some of the events happening on the Island over the next few days, including Praying the Keills, Isle of Man History Day and a look at this weekend's celebration of 40 years of Culture Vannin / Manx Heritage FoundationBy Manx Radio

Fiona McArdle introduces a programme which takes quite a dramatic turn. Rushen Players present readings of ghost stories; Dilys Sowrey presents her musical, 'Ayres and Braces'; and President of the Manx Amateur Drama Federation, Michael Lees, tell us about a Festival of One-Act Plays and the Young Actor of Mann 2022…

Maralyn Crellin gives a brief overview of animals and birds in Manx music, after we hear from Liam Rice of the ManxSPCA about Dress Up As An Animal Day (Fri 18 Feb), fund raising, the welcome to volunteers and an opportunity for a varied role working full-time for the ManxSPCA. We find out something of the background to 'Ayres and Braces', a musica…

This week, the House of Keys debated whether prayers should remain part of the proceedings. The former Chaplain was also Archdeacon of Man, and we hear from the new Archdeacon. We also hear some prayers in Manx song.By Manx Radio

The Director of Culture Vannin, Breesha Maddrell, talks to Phil Gawne about the history and work of Culture Vannin as it celebrates a significant anniversary with extra support for new projects. The deadline for applications is 14th FebruaryBy Manx Radio

The Island's rich cultural life in both Manx and English. This week features recordings and interviews from last Friday's ceremony to recognise Nigel Crowe as Reih Bleeaney Vanannan 2022.By Manx Radio

We start with a dance associated with what appears on the modern calendar to be 17th January. The tune, Mylecharane's March, is a spritely version of a song long popular in the Island. The story of Mylecharane, a miser in the Jurby Curraghs, who found a treasure of some sort, is well-known in Manx tradition. A traditional song in the Manx language …

The Island's vast tourist industry needed entertainment, and leading artistes popularised songs which led to large sales of sheet music and promoted the emerging recording industry. Florrie Forde spent many summer seasons in the Island and popularised a number of songs related to it. Her big hit song in 1909 was 'Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?'. Song…

The judicial murder of Illiam Dhone, William Christian of Ronaldsway, by firing squad on Hango Hill on 2nd January 1663 has resounded down through history in song and story. We hear songs old and new and poetry made about his death and how that is viewed to the modern day.By Manx Radio

Fiona McArdle presents the final edition in this series of Shiaght Laa. We hear from Professor Hugh Davidson about William Milner, known mainly in connection with the iconic tower on Bradda Head. An exhibition about his life and work, 'William Milner : The Man and the Tower', can be seen in St Catherine's Church Hall until 4.00pm on Sunday 31st Oct…

The Maughold Crosses Group was formed in May to look at how the collection of carved crosses, currently housed in the churchyard under a shelter designed by Armitage Rigby in 1906, can be protected, preserved and presented for the future. We hear from Chairman of the Maughold Crosses Group, Martin Royle, and member, Pam Kerruish. The Isle of Man Po…

Maralyn Crellin introduces this edition, with an overview of three very different forthcoming events, three more pieces from the Isle of Man Poetry Society's Poetry Trail (continuing in Douglas, Ramsey and Peel until 31st October), and the story behind the song, Illiam y Thalhear, which is also performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh.…

On the eve of the first Port Erin Jazz Festival, Jerry Carter reminds us of the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of music in the Bay Hotel and the Falcon's Nest. Thanks to James Franklin of Culture Vannin, we have an opportunity to hear a little of the theatre pieces by Cori Philips and Annie Kissack, with the prospect of being able to enjoy the v…

We look at a presentation at the Erin Arts Centre called 'At the Season's Edge' by Tholtan Theatricals and Caarjyn Cooidjagh. The evening comprised two works commissioned by Culture Vannin: Cori Philips's short, amusing piece called 'Our Loch-y Charm' and a one-act play by Annie Kissack, 'The In-Between Times', both set in the 1860s. We hear two mo…

The Isle of Man Poetry Society's Poetry Trail was officially launched with an event in St George's Church in Douglas on Saturday 11th September. Thanks to Ernie de Legh Runciman, we can hear some of the 20 winning entries for this year's trail introducing themselves and reading their work. The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is into it's 13th y…