MANX LOTTERY TRUST SUPPORTS MANX TRADITIONAL DANCERS

Manx traditional dancers at events this year will look the part, thanks to a grant from the Manx Lottery Trust

Members of Manx traditional dance groups Perree Bane, Ny Fennee and Skeddan Jiarg often join forces for local and festival events and needed new lightweight costumes.

A grant of nearly £350 has kitted the combined group out with new costumes.

Caroline Helps from Perree Bane said: ‘Volunteers from the Isle of Man are travelling to the Festival Interceltique de Lorient this year and will trial these costumes at the Manx bar and merchandise stall at the festival.  As dancers from three different groups are attending the festival, a simple uniform was decided on, in order to present a unified appearance for these performances.

‘We are extremely grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for the financial assistance, and following the festival we will ensure that the costumes will be used around the Island to promote the Manx identity and culture. They have been designed to allow easy fitting for different dancers and will be kept as a resource for use by any dance group in the Island.’

Lulu Gillow, Manx Lottery Trust Chair, added: ‘Each year the Isle of Man is wonderfully represented at various events by a contingent from across the spectrum of arts and culture, and we are delighted to support our traditional Manx dancers, who I’m sure will do the Island proud.’

For more information about the festival visit: www.festival-interceltique.bzh