manx celtic music and dance

Perree Bane host a ceili and give displays to visiting Norwegians

03 Jun 2013


Report by Sue Nicol

Norwegians are fascinated by this Island and by the historical links. This was made very clear by the group which Perree Bane entertained so well at Ballasalla Village Hall. Led by Karin Flatøy Svarstad, the party of 31 were largely crafters who came to see the traditional loaghtan sheep, the wools and weaves of the Island, and what better way than in the swirling skirts and tough wearing trousers of the Perree Bane dancers. Some of the visitors were even persuaded to have a go at one of the easier dances under the able direction of ‘mistress of ceremonies’ Caroline Helps.

Karin set up a crafters’ centre SommerAkademiet, a gallery and shop in her childhood home on the idyllic island of Bremanger. Over the years she has led groups of like-minded artists and craftsfolk to the Orkneys, the Hebrides (inner and outer), and to the Faeroes. Strong links have been made and there has been a good deal of growth in the creation and sale of local traditional wool products, as well as in visitor accommodation as a result, especially in the Orkneys.

This was the group’s first visit to the Isle of Man and was six months in the planning. After an activity packed week, the dancing of Perree Bane in the Sunday sunlight was a beautiful way to round off their trip, and not surprisingly, each of the visitors said they would be recommending their friends and families to come.


The event was supported by the Manx Heritage Foundation. If you would like support for a similar community event, please get in touch with the development team.

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