manx celtic music and dance

Manx Music, Dance & Art showcased to thousands in France

20 Aug 2024


A report on the Manx representation at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient:

Between the 12th-18th August, a delegation of over 60 performers, artists and volunteers attended Festival Interceltique de Lorient (FIL) to represent the Isle of Man at the biggest interceltic festival in the world.

Taking place in Lorient, Brittany, the festival attracted an average of 850,000 visitors and spectators over 7 days. For over 40 years the Isle of Man has been involved in showcasing Manx music, dance and culture to the rest of Europe. For its 53rd edition, the Interceltic Festival 2024 put Celtic youth in the spotlight.

As part of its focus on the Celtic youth, the FIL invited 16 young artists from the 8 participating nations for a music residency to celebrate interceltism. Two groups were formed from this residency and they performed twice-daily during the festival. The Isle of Man was represented by Mera Royle (harp & fiddle) and Owen Williams (accordion and keys).

Representing the Island at the Lorient Stadium for multiple nightly shows called “Horizons Celtique”, was northern dance group, Ny Fennee. The group performed to hundred of thousands in-person and to millions who turned in on national French television. The dance group also represented the Island at the Grand Parade of Celtic Nations to thousands in the streets of Lorient.

Manx folk band, Scran, experienced their first festival of this scale, delighting audiences across multiple stages. The group competed in the Loic Raison Trophée and placed 4th overall. This was a considerable achievement since the band, ranging from 12-18 years of age, were up against older and more experienced groups. Scran member, Aalish Kilgallon performed an additional concert as a solo-musician on the shared Celtic stage.

A new offering from the Manx delegation came in the form of a DJ set by Çheumooie. Juan Kaighin entranced audiences with his blend of contemporary beats with audio samples of the last native speakers.

Festival favourites, Mec Lir performed a high-energy set at Le Kleub on the first Monday and Ruth Keggin performed a sold-out show at Le Theatre as part of the Celtique Oddysee project, now in its third year.

Representing the visual arts, the Isle of Man was represented by Molly Kathryn at the Euroceltic Art Exhibition bringing pieces inspired by Manx Gaelic heritage and agriculture. Helen Winter delivered a number of textiles workshops over the week teaching needle felting techniques to local participants.

The Manx Delegates this year were Grainney Sheard and Ealee Sheard.

Grainney Sheard said:

“We are so very proud of what our delegation have achieved in the past week. Each and every one of our delegation is a credit to our Island. It has truly been a privilege to bring so many talented artists and performers to showcase Manx culture at this international festival.”

This is only a brief summary of the Manx participation at the FIL. To see and read everything the Manx delegation did during their time at the festival, find the Mannin FIL page on Instagram and Facebook.

The Manx Delegation are grateful to Biosphere Isle of Man for their support towards the Isle of Man Pavilion and to Culture Vannin for their continued support leading up to the festival.

You can find out more about Festival Interceltique de Lorient by visiting www.festival-interceltique.bzh

 

More material relating to this year's Lorient festival is as follows:

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