Overview

Music has always played a major part in the life of the Manx and there has always been a pride in our own music. Over the last 30 years there has been a remarkable resurgence of interest in Manx traditional music, fuelled by the Interceltic festival Yn Chruinnaght, which, in turn, has led to many contacts with festivals in other countries. Instrumental and vocal groups have proliferated and traditional music is undergoing change and development. The Island is also proving to have a rich musical heritage in the fields of worship and entertainment.

Since its inception, the Manx Heritage Foundation has given support in a variety of ways to the Island's own music, through underwriting for festivals, grants for equipment for groups and individuals, and loans for publications and recordings. The Foundation has also produced its own CDs. The Foundation approved a comprehensive Manx Music Policy Document in 2002 and since then there has been a steady programme of activities to implement the proposals.