A primary school in the south of the island is celebrated in a new series of short films from Culture Vannin.
The four films visit Arbory School as they prepare their entries of Manx music, song and dance for the Manx Folk Awards.
A relaxed week of competitions held each Spring term, the Manx Folk Awards offer an accessible way for all school-age children to discover Manx culture and make it their own.
Twenty-nine different schools took place this year, but one of the schools which has consistently embraced this fully from the start has been Arbory School.
Arbory School
The primary school in Ballabeg throws itself into the event organised by the Department of Education, Sports and Culture and Culture Vannin each year.
Jonathan Ayres, Head teacher of Arbory School said: “Arbory School has always been at the centre of the local community with which it has strong links in terms of culture and heritage.
“The Manx Folk Awards gives pupils an opportunity to work on new projects as well as to showcase their skills and talents, specifically linked to Manx culture, outside the local area.
Manx Folk Awards
“The Manx Folk Awards enables children to participate alongside other students from around the island where they make connections and benefit from feeling part of a larger cultural community.
“Teachers and children come together to share and celebrate ‘Manxness’ in a competitive but relaxed atmosphere. This helps to promote our unique culture whilst enabling children to build their confidence, to perform in front of an audience and to have fun.”
This has been explored in a series of four short films, now available on the Culture Vannin website and YouTube channel.
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