Blogs

This year's Arrane son Mannin (Song for Mann) competition took place at the Masonic Hall in Peel, where supporters gathered to hear a number of entries, from which just one would be chosen to represent the Isle of Man at the annual Pan-Celtic Song Contest in Ireland.

Sponsored by Culture Vannin, who also generously donated £300 prize money for the winner, the evening was interspersed with a variety of entertainment; including Scran, Matt Kelly, John Kilgallon, Manx Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh and the Matt Creer Band.

A recent addition to the Transceltic index of Celtic Festivals is the Penzance Cornish Language Festival. 2017 will see the Festival's inaugural year.  

The centenary of the death of Manx cultural champion, Sophia Morrison, was commemorated with a number of events organised by Roy Kennaugh, including local organisations Mec Vannin, the Celtic League, Yn Ҫheshaght Ghailckagh (Manx Language Society) and the local branch of the Celtic Congress.

News from Kernow Matters To Us:

Truro City of Culture

“Westminster not interested in Cornwall. We must look elsewhere” KMTU supports Capital Of Culture Bid

Celebrations took place at the weekend to mark the community buy out of a Cold War surveillance station on Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas) in the Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar). The radio and radar station was established at Gallan Head, close to the village of Aird Uig (Àird Ùig) 60 years ago. It formed part of Nato's early warning system against Soviet submarines and aircraft.

News from the Celtic League:

Contributions are currently being sought for the next issue of Carn (#167). 

Carn is the Celtic League’s longest running publication and was originally launched in 1973. The 24 page long publication is currently only available in hard copy format and is produced three times a year. It is regarded as an educational magazine and provides news articles and in-depth analysis of issues from an alternative perspective relevant to people in the Celtic countries 

News from Kernow Matters To Us:

In addition to appearing directly before the Boundary Commission during the Truro hearings, providing transport for and taking part in the Border demonstration and so on, members of Kernow Matters To Us (KMTU) also submitted a folio of written material to the Boundary Commission quango objecting to Devonwall. 

We have received this response and note the final paragraph with interest:

"Thank you for your views on the 2018 Boundary Review.

Your comment reference number is BCE-31417.

A leisurely wander around the Isle of Man can often be a journey of self discovery, but some of the assorted curiosities and landmarks which flourish across the length and breadth of the Island often raise many questions.

Some of them may well be answered within the pages of a new publication entitled Wonders of Mann, which reveals more about a selection of both man-made and natural curiosities. Lavishly illustrated with stunning photography, the book has been compiled by Charles Guard who has brought together many of the curios which fascinate him upon his travels.

The annual Oie'll Verree held in Michael village on old Christmas Eve is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a Manx traditional, country concert; with a packed house indicative of its continuing success.

Tucked away in the old Ebenezer Hall, this much anticipated event was organised by the local branch of the Celtic Congress in latter years, but the baton has now been passed on to the Michael Heritage Trust.

News from the Celtic League:

Like him or loath him Donald Trump is set to redefine how global politics is conducted. The jury is out on if this will be for good or ill.

BBC Scotland has this detailed article about Trumps background and the incredible story of his mother’s journey from a Hebridean Island to the high society of New York (link):