The 2026 Manx Folk Awards have smashed all previous records, with more than 2,200 entries and twice as many participants as last year joining the awards.
Held across six days from March 19 to 25, the event brought together pupils from 28 schools, competing in 100 classes across four venues.
Organisers from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and Culture Vannin described the response as the biggest in the Awards’ history.
Jo Callister, organiser and Deputy Headteacher at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, said the surge in entries showed the strength of enthusiasm among young people: “The Awards focus on participation and enjoyment rather than competition and formality, so it’s a great opportunity for our young people to come together and celebrate our music and culture.”
Year of The Manx Language
This year’s theme marked Blein ny Gaelgey – the Year of the Manx Language, reflected in set songs, poems and an original song class won by the Dhoon School with Gow Arrane, written by teacher Dilys Sowrey.
A standout moment came from newly crowned Manx Youth Bard Matilda Watson, who returned to the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh as a guest adjudicator.
The school premiered a choral setting of her poem Gaelg, securing first place in the KS2 Manx Gaelic choir class.
The Manx National Song Book also featured prominently, with choirs performing pieces including Hush Little Darling, The Pride of Purt-le-Murra and Smuggler’s Lullaby, alongside plenty of renditions of Island favourites such as Ellan Vannin and the National Anthem.
Folk Awards
Four Folktastic Star Trophies, sponsored by the Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust, were awarded to Frank Joughin, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, St Mary’s RC School and the Buchan School. The Manx Folk Dance Society also recognised standout solo dancers.
Culture Vannin has released films of 29 performances, with photographs to follow.
And the celebrations aren’t over. In May, organisers will take the Awards “on tour” with a series of free Roadshow Concerts showcasing standout performances:
- Douglas – Trinity Rosemount Church, May 10, 2.30pm
- Port St Mary – Town Hall, May 16, 11am
- Ramsey – St Paul’s Church, May 16, 2.30pm
- Peel – Centenary Centre, May 17, 2.30pm
Organisers say the concerts will offer something “very special” from the Island’s young performers.
