manx celtic music and dance
  • Up to 25 performers
  • Accompanied by live musicians
  • Display dancing and can include audience participation

Formed in 1951, the Manx Folk Dance Society (MFDS) is the longest running dance group in the Island. With a total membership of around 65 of all ages, around 25 people regularly attend practice sessions. Adults and juniors practise and often perform together. The MFDS performs regularly throughout the year but, like other groups, has a busier schedule in the summer months when dancers are in demand at local fairs and tourist events. Throughout its history, the MFDS has maintained links to folk groups in England and other European countries. The society also encourages other dance groups to the Island and has made exchanges with groups from Sweden, Norway, Germany and England.

Representation at festivals

2008 exchange with Volkstanzgruppe Besse, Germany

2007 combined trip to Stavanger, Norway with Bock Yuan Fannee

Videos

Click the image to play the video

  • MFDS - Lesh Bree

    Lesh Bree gys Phurt Chiarn

    Meaning literally ‘with energy to Port Erin’, a small port in the South of the Island, The Train Dance pays homage to the steam heritage of the Island.

  • MFDS - Tree Cassyn Vannin

    The Three Legs of Mann appear on the Manx flag and were the inspiration for this dance, composed by a member of the Society in celebration of the Manx Millennium in 1979.