manx celtic music and dance

SUPERB MANX MUSIC SHOWCASE AT CYCLEFEST

26 Apr 2016


SUPERB MANX MUSIC SHOWCASE UNVEILED FOR ISLE OF MAN CYCLEFEST’S FESTIVAL AT MILNTOWN!

SAVE UP TO 40% BY BUYING TICKETS ONLINE TODAY!

The Milntown Estate is set to not only welcome a gaggle of bicycle-lovers this spring, but will also provide a spectacular backdrop to what is set to become a real highlight in the Manx entertainment calendar.

The two-day festival at Milntown Estate on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May is the centrepiece of Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank. The festival boasts a strong line up of local musicians, along with artisan food and drink from the Island’s best local producers, awe-inspiring stunts and plenty of fun for all the family.

The Cyclefest Main Stage will play host to the festival’s headline acts, with a high quality line up confirmed and a strong representation of traditional Manx music running throughout the two days. Bringing the entire Festival to a fitting close on the Sunday are two Celtic super groups that are inextricably linked to the island that inspires their sound. In what is one of only a handful of appearances this spring, Isle of Man Cyclefest is delighted to play host to ‘double header headliners’ Barrule and Mec Lir.

Firmly at the forefront of the Isle of Man’s music scene, Barrule are an award-winning trio who present a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Manx music, creating a powerful and wholly distinctive sound that is taking the Isle of Man’s music around the world. Since forming in 2012, Barrule’s three legs have taken them from Mann to Montreal to Melbourne. The trio’s festival appearances include Celtic Connections, WOMAD and the massive Festival Interceltique de Lorient, where Barrule won the prestigious competition for best act.

Like Barrule, Mec Lir forged a real following with their fresh approach to traditional music and they’re fast becoming festival favourites around the world. And it’s no wonder - their infectious and often atmospheric music is guaranteed to fill your soul with the sound of the Isle of Man. Indeed, their highly acclaimed appearance at Festival Interceltique de Lorient alone has attracted over a million views on social media sites. Returning to these shores after their rousing appearances at Celtic Colours in Canada and Scotland’s famous Celtic Connections, Mec Lir will guarantee a fitting finale to the festival come Sunday evening.

Also playing the main stage on Sunday 15th are Loose Crew, who are showcasing their diverse catalogue of classic tunes over two sets. Quite fitting for those with sore heads and sore legs, soulful songstress Kate Bass will guide her band through a set of smoky blues, smouldering jazz and Americana before kicking it up a gear after lunch with a blistering set of retro rockers ideal for a jump, jive an’ wail! Think Caro Emerald and Imelda May crossed with Van Morrison, Louis Jordan and even the odd Yiddish number!

Saturday’s music line up is no less impressive, with local artist Ruth Keggin opening the Festival and providing a very Manx flavour for our visiting cyclists. Ruth is a well-known and hugely respected singer who is passionate about bringing Manx music and language to a wider audience. Her debut solo album, Sheear (‘Westward’), which features traditional and contemporary Manx Gaelic songs, was released in February 2014 to critical acclaim. Ruth and her band have given live performances and interviews on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Wales and ‘Seirm’ on BBC Alba (television), and Ruth has also been a feature-presenter for, and sung on, the BBC 2 television programme ‘Coast’. For Cyclefest, Ruth will be joined by Dave Kilgallon and Isla Callister for a specially designed set.

Saturday’s music bill also features one of the Island’s top talents in Matt Creer. A former student of the Royal College of Music, Matt has recently enjoyed a lot of airtime across BBC Radio, including the ‘Introducing’ series on BBC 6 Music. Merging folk traditions, with warm, rich layered arrangements, Matt has created a sound all of his own making – one that has taken him high up the iTunes singer songwriter chart.

Fellow BBC Introducing artists, Scarlett Parade, will follow Matt on the main stage. Formed in 2011 by songwriters Geoffrey Tinkler and Adam Jones, the London based band combine anthemic pop with folk roots and an alternative rock sound that spans many musical influences. Inspired also by the beautiful and fantastical words of Tolkien, W.B. Yeats, and Edgar Allen Poe, the duo has forged a sound of their own - one as timeless as it is current. It’s no wonder then, that Scarlett Parade are blazing a trail that stretches from their Island home to the UK and beyond to America – whilst also entering the studio last year to record their debut EP, ‘Wildwoods’.

Saturday’s headliners, the 11-piece soul band Retrospect, are guaranteed to fill any dance floor with their mix of classic Rhythm & Blues and funky soul sounds. Always ready to blast through a set of crowd-pleasing hits from the Motown and Stax stables - along with Northern Soul stompers and Mod cross-overs that are sure to delight any budding Bradley Wiggins – the Isle of Man’s very own ‘Commitments’ will ensure Saturday evening finishes on a really high note!

But that’s not all! Away from the main stage, Manx arts and culture group Yn Chruinnaght will be delighting festival goers with their own mix of acoustic artists and groups – the perfect soundtrack for those sampling the fine local produce.

SAVE UP TO 40% BY BUYING TICKETS ONLINE:

Wristband tickets are available to buy on-line now at www.iomcyclefest.com. Tickets for the Isle of Man Cyclefest Festival at Milntown Estate are priced online at £5 per adult per day (£9 adult weekend), £3 per child per day (£5 child weekend) (child tickets for children aged 5 to 16) or £15 for a family day pass (£25 for a family weekend pass).

Family tickets include 2 adults and up to 3 children. Children aged 4 and under go free. All tickets include FREE entry to Milntown Gardens.

Please note on-the-gate prices start at £9 per adult per day (£15 adult weekend), £5 per child per day (£8 child weekend), £25 per family per day (£45 family weekend).

Full Festival Schedule: (times subject to alteration)

Cyclefest Programme (times subject to alteration)
 
 
SATURDAY 14 MAY
9.00 Gates Open (Coffee!!!)
9.30 Yoga and Stretch
10.00 Mountain Bike Race Start
10.15 Breakfast with Yn Chruinnaght
10.45   YC STALL: Matt Kelly
11.15 Andrei Burton Stunt Show
12.00 MTB Race Podium Presentations
1.00 MAIN STAGE: Ruth Keggin & Guests
1.00 Hill Climb Competitors Send Off
1.30 YC STALL: Bree Buskerteers
1.45 Andrei Burton Stunt Show
2.30 MAIN STAGE: Matt Creer
3.30 YC STALL: The Fecktones
3.45 Andrei Burton Stunt Show
4.30 MAIN STAGE: Scarlett Parade
6.00 Cyclefest BBQ
6.15 Hill Climb Podium Presentations
7.00 MAIN STAGE: Retrospect
8.00 Feed Zone
8.30 MAIN STAGE: Retrospect
9.30 End
 
SUNDAY 15 MAY
9.00 Gates Open (Coffee!!!)
9.30 Yoga and Stretch
10.00 Gran Fondo Race Start
10.15 Breakfast with Yn Chruinnaght 
11.00 YC STALL: Skeddan Jiarg dancers
11.15 Andrei Burton Stunt Show
12.15 MAIN STAGE: Loose Crew (Mellow Down Easy)
1.00   YC STALL: Caarjyn Cooidjagh
1.15 Andrei Burton Stunt Show
2.00 MAIN STAGE: Loose Crew (Jump, Jive and Wail)
3.00 Gran Fondo / Final Podium Presentations
3.00 YC STALL: Skeddan Jiarg dancers
3.45 YC STALL: Shenn Scoill
4.15 MAIN STAGE: Barrule Trio
5.15 Cyclefest BBQ
6.00 MAIN STAGE: Mec Lir
7.30 Close
 

 

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