Valerie Caine's blog

The Arrane son Mannin (Song for Mann) competition is an opportunity for the performance of new and original music written in Manx Gaelic, with the winner representing the Isle of Man at the annual Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow, Ireland, later this year.

Held in the Masonic Hall in Peel, judges at the event were challenged to find the best, original song composed in the Island's native tongue, which will go forward in competition with others from neighbouring Celtic nations, vying to clinch the top position in the festival's International Song Contest.

The annual Oie'll Verree, now a concert-based form of entertainment, was once a celebration centred against a more religious backdrop, and has been the subject of much transformation over the years.

Many of the outlying districts have abandoned this special celebration, but in Kirk Michael it's a much anticipated part of the calendar. Held in the local Ebenezer Hall, it's a great opportunity for the audience to enjoy a host of entertainment in a provincial setting.

When St Stephen's Day dawned, it was with trepidation that we opened our curtains to the sight of torrential rain, but this didn't deter many of those heading out to Hunt the Wren across the Island.

It's a long-held tradition, not unrecognisable in other Celtic nations, although thankfully the death of a bird is no longer obligatory, and distribution of its feathers for luck has been superseded by coloured ribbons.

The long-standing concert Mollag Ghennal, offering a fantastic evening of local entertainment took place at the Manx Legion Club in Douglas; with a packed house enjoying a range of musical acts, as well as a revival of the celebrated White Boys.

There was also an opportunity to take part in a local quiz and sample supper from the Mollag Band kitchens.

After an absence of a number of years, two sets of entertainers historically known as The White Boys, brought back the traditional Manx version of the mummers play to the towns and villages of the Isle of Man.

Although not distinctive to the Island, it's loosely based on a version of the theme of St George and the Dragon (although the latter is never seen) with some local anecdotes threaded amongst the story - which has been part of Manx tradition for many years.

The annual ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the death of William Christian took place at Hango Hill, just outside Castletown, close to the site of both his execution and his now demolished home at Ronaldsway.

His death in the seventeenth century tends to provoke comment, with ongoing discussion as to whether he was a traitor or a patriot, although many agree that he saved the Island from bloodshed.

Despite being only the second year running this event, the Isle of Man Young Farmers' Christmas Tractor Run captured the imagination of the Manx public, as fifty working tractors left the Island's farms to raise funds for local charities.

Gaily decorated for the festive season, they gathered along Marine Parade in Peel and at Tynwald Mills in St John's before embarking upon a dedicated route along the TT course, with large numbers of spectators gathering at various points along the route.

Although the Island is often viewed as a place of wealth and prosperity, there's a growing number of people acutely affected by the high cost of living, whilst others find themselves homeless.

These issues are unrecognised by some living on the Isle of Man, but volunteers at the forefront of the charity Graih witness at first hand the growing number of homeless individuals, of both sexes, who arrive at their door looking for help and compassion.

With the festive season just around the corner, there's a couple of annual events coming up with a special Manx flavour to entertain you during the cold, winter evenings.

The long-standing Mollag Ghennal, starting at 7.30pm on Sunday 29th December, has now settled into its new location at the Manx Legion Club on Market Hill in Douglas, offering a host of entertainers to lift your spirits midst the holiday activities.

A dedicated group of supporters gathered at the memorial to the S.S. Ellan Vannin, placed by the Manx Heritage Foundation (now known as Culture Vannin) on the quayside at Ramsey to take part in the annual Service of Remembrance, to mark the anniversary of what is probably one of the greatest maritime disasters in Manx history.