Entries are invited for awards that encourage young people to maintain the strong traditions of Manx folk music.

The Manx Folk Awards are for young people aged four to 18 and include dance, singing, recitation and instrumental classes.

The syllabus can be viewed via a new website, http://manxfolkawards.weebly.com/.  Entries close on Friday 19th February.

The awards, organised by the Department of Education and Children (DEC), Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage, take place from Sunday 20th to Wednesday 23rd March at the Youth Arts Centre and Trinity Methodist Church, Douglas.

Jo Callister, Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum with the DEC, said: ‘Manx folk music, with its strong traditions, plays a huge part in the Island’s cultural identity.

‘Many of our young people are carrying on the tradition by performing folk music at school and in groups outside of school.

‘The awards, now in their fifth year, showcase the talent of these young people and their teachers.’

Jo continued: ‘For 2016 we have new classes for claasagh (harp), prash (brass) and feddan vooar (flute) as well as new Manx Gaelic reading classes for all ages. There are also changes to the choir classes, with set pieces for a Manx Gaelic song and a song in English with a Manx theme.

‘The emphasis is always on fun, with children encouraged to take part with a partner if they don't want to perform solo.

‘The awards are also good preparation for young people entering the Manx Music Festival (22nd to 30th April) and are a lead in to Shennaghys Jiu (25th to 28th March), a non-competitive youth folk festival.’