More than 500 children are preparing to take part in the annual Manx Folk Awards.
Organised by the Department of Education and Children, Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage, the Awards celebrate the island’s music, dance, poetry and song.
Now in its fourth year, the event, with solo and group classes, takes place from Monday to Wednesday.
Advisory teacher for the Manx curriculum, Jo Callister said: ‘ It’s a very informal competition and encourages children to take part and have fun whilst learning about our Manx musical heritage and culture at the same time.
‘All the competitions are Manx-based and include dance, song (Manx Gaelic and English), instrumental classes and poetry recitation.
‘The number of entries is brilliant – we have over 500 children taking part – including as always, some new faces which is great.’
The growing popularity of the event means that the action will once again take place at the Youth Arts Centre, in Kensington Road, Douglas, and the nearby Rosemount Methodist Church.
Organisers are always looking to move the Manx Folk Awards forward.
Last year, as part of the Island of Culture celebrations, choirs were asked to perform a set piece as well as a Manx song of their choice.
Jo said: ‘This means schools are learning new songs that they might not have heard of before – and we all get to have a sing song together at the end!’
This year sees the introduction of Manx song composition classes for individuals and groups in key stage two.
Jo explained: ‘They have been asked to put words to either a new or existing tune.
‘You never know, in a few years time we might all be singing one of these in the choir class!’
This year, for the first time, youngsters are also being invited to compose Manx-themed poetry.
And next year, organisers are hoping to include Manx Gaelic reading classes for all ages.
The classes for key stage two children (ages eight to 11) have flourished but organisers are always looking for new competitors, particularly in key stage one (ages four to seven) and those at secondary school.
Jo said: ‘We are hoping to encourage more secondary pupils to get involved and we would like to invite anyone who is interested to come along to the secondary competitions on Tuesday, March 24, at 6.30pm at the Douglas Youth Arts Centre.’
The Awards grew out of Cruinnaght Aeg, which was run for many years in two sections, north and south.