Ever wondered what traditional Manx folk music sounds like? Yn Chruinnaght, the annual Celtic Music & Dance Festival on the Isle of Man, provides the perfect opportunity to find out! In July, I had the pleasure of attending, and I not only thoroughly enjoyed the music and the sense of community it created, but I was also fascinated to learn about the festival’s history. A story of revival and national pride, it highlights the importance of keeping musical traditions alive.
What is Yn Chruinnaght?
Yn Chruinnaght (Manx for ‘the gathering’) takes place over a week each summer, and this year marked its 48th festival. It features a range of events around the Island showcasing music, dance, language, arts and crafts, lectures and more. What I love about the festival is that it not only celebrates Manx culture, but also the cultures of the five other Celtic countries (Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany). When I visited a local cafe, Noa Bakehouse, to hear the folk sessions, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Cornish music one day, and Welsh the next!
The history of the festival
The festival has a fascinating history steeped in Manx culture. It was originally established in 1924 by William Cubbon under the name Cruinnaght Vanninagh Ashoonagh, which translates to ‘Manx national gathering’ (don’t worry, I can’t pronounce it either!) This sadly came to an end with the outbreak of the Second World War. Luckily, a revival in Manx culture and language in the late 1960s led to the re-establishment of the festival by Mona Douglas in 1977. Whilst the original festival had only featured Manx culture, Douglas decided to expand its scope to include the other five Celtic nations. As mentioned above, this is one of my favourite aspects of the festival. Not only does it allow the audience to hear a variety of folk traditions, but it has attracted musicians and dancers from further afield to the Island to participate, creating opportunities for exciting crossovers to take place.
Awareness of folk culture
Chatting to some of those involved with the festival, it became apparent that it plays a key role in keeping awareness of folk culture and history alive. Kirsty Lawrence, who participates in and has helped organise the festival, noted that it is a celebration of the Island’s history and helps to maintain the Island’s relationships with the other Celtic countries – as a tiny island in the middle of the sea, this is important for us! Dr Chloe Woolley, who does lots of work around the Island to promote and involve people in Manx music, described how successful the festival has been, with large engagement and sold out events. She highlighted that it is a very accessible route into Manx and Celtic culture, and I definitely agree. Even with little to no knowledge about Celtic music or culture, the events are thoroughly enjoyable to attend for people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Not only was the festival a joy to experience, it was fascinating to learn about the history of my hometown. Traditional music allows us to experience a slice of history in an enjoyable and engaging way, and it is important for it to be celebrated! I will definitely be making it a priority to catch next year’s festival.
Let me know if you have anything similar in your own town/city!
(P.s. if you love folk music, check out my interview with the amazing folk trio, Tarren!)
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