manx celtic music and dance

Ny Fennee and Barrule in Lorient, Brittany

03 Sep 2012


August saw one of the largest contingents ever to represent the Isle of Man at Europe’s biggest Celtic festival - Festival Interceltique de Lorient (FIL). With around 800,000 visitors over 10 days, FIL is an important meeting place for cultures and for business. The IOM runs a pavilion each year to promote Manx produce and culture and to support participating groups through a shared performance space with the neighbouring Cornish pavilion.

This month’s KMJ newsletter features a series of reports from and about the different performers who flew the Manx flag so proudly: Ny Fennee, Ruth Keggin & Dave Pearce, David Kilgallon & Russell Gilmour, Turrys & Katie Lawrence, all supported by official IOM delegate, Aalish Maddrell.

NY FENNEE IN LORIENT - by Juan Garrett

Ny Fennee recently returned after representing the Isle of Man at the 42nd Festival Interceltique de Lorient and although many of the group had attended in some capacity at previous festivals this was indeed the first experience of a Celtic Festival for many members of the group.

As this was going to be the largest representation Ny Fennee had taken to the festival preparations began in earnest in May. Rehearsals were intensified and funding had to be raised towards travel in order to take the 28 members of the group to Plymouth. From there they boarded Brittany Ferries and were then the kind guests of the Festival Committee.

Once in Lorient the weather, which had until that point been indifferent, was glorious and although threatened with rain on the day of the parade and again once during the week, only amounted to one soggy half an hour whilst performing at the Manx Pavilion Tent at the Marina.

For many members of the group the highlight of the week had to be the parade. It was a chance to see other groups and witness the many colourful costumes on show, not least being presented with an opportunity to represent the Isle of Man and showcase our own colourful costumes. Ny Fennee certainly made an impact and had many photographers rushing to snap the impressive sight the group created.

Although it was to be the end of the week before the group had the opportunity to showcase their balanced programme of dances, the group could be seen regularly dancing at the Manx Pavilion or supporting Mactullagh Vannin or Barrule in their various gigs throughout the festival, including dancing at many community events such as Elderly Peoples Residences and hospitals.

Whilst the Grande Parade may have been the highlight for many, the Espace Marine Concert on the Friday was the reason for all the hard work and practice before and during the festival. Once again Ny Fennee represented the Isle of Man proudly with a set of dances that showcased Manx Traditional Dance, from dances collated by Mona Douglas and Leighton Stowell, to newer dances written by Ny Fennee that maintain a style that is instantly recognizable as Manx.

Indeed the group’s performance caught the eye of the show’s director that day after their standing ovation, so much so that he wanted them to form the finale of the concert on the Saturday which was to showcase dancing from the Celtic World. Unfortunately as the group had to leave on the Saturday Night they instead performed at the beginning of the concert, but again wowed the audience with the spirit, style and grace that Ny Fennee and indeed the Manx has to offer.

All in all the group had a fantastic trip and again loved the opportunity to represent the Isle of Man on a big stage, showcasing what the Island continues to offer the Celtic Nations. It was a chance to meet up with old friends, witness at first hand that whilst only in a minority of people involved in traditional dancing here, they are part of a much bigger picture throughout the Celtic World. As such the group were able to make new friends, but also find a new sense of value in what they do on the Island in the continuation and promotion of our own culture.  

Thanks must go once again to the organising committee for the invite and the opportunity to take part in such a prestigious festival and to our generous sponsors who helped.

Moving the mountain...Barrule storm Lorient!

Manx power trio, Barrule, hit Lorient like a storm, playing gigs in various combinations for the festival at a range of venues. The band also supported the Manx pavilion very heavily, showcasing Manx music and song to thousands and thousands of passers-by.

Barrule’s debut CD flew off the racks in the pavilion and the band generated an excitable following who were captivated by their polished sets on fi ddle, accordion and bouzouki. With Greg Joughin - guest vocalist on their CD - sadly not able to join them, Jamie showed just how much he had learnt from his father-in-law, singing songs in Manx and English with flair and finesse.

The band came home with an all too handy handful of prize money and more than a few bottles of Breton cider. More importantly, they came back having established themselves as the first professional band that the Isle of Man has seen - and a thoroughly excellent one at that.

Barrule’s new CD is available online here: www.barruletrio.com/shop

It is also available in Manx National Heritage shops on the Island - pick up your copy now!

Barrule will also be representing the IOM at Lowender Peran festival in Cornwall in October.

 

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