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'Joy' of Manx dance showcased at Welsh festival

Ashlea TraceyBBC News, Isle of Man
News imageStephen Cain Photography Dancers perform on a train platform, they wear traditional costumes. The women wear red jackets, white tops and blue skirts, while the men wear camel-coloured trousers and hats, and white jackets. You can see a green and blue train in the background, and two men play an accordion and guitar. Stephen Cain Photography
Perree Bane danced on train platforms, on the streets of Llangollen and at a local school

A group of performers from the Isle of Man have showcased the "joy" of Manx dance at a music festival in Wales.

Dance troupe Perree Bane were invited to perform and deliver a workshop at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod between 9 and 13 July.

More than 400,000 competitors from some 140 nationalities and cultures have performed at the festival since it was first held in 1947.

The dancers said their displays had brought "a taste of the island's heritage to international audiences, building cultural bridges and sparking curiosity about the Isle of Man".

Hailing from Castletown, the traditional dance, music and song group has around 50 members of all ages.

The name Perree Bane is Manx Gaelic for white jacket, which the men wear along with Loaghtan wool trousers.

News imageStephen Cain Photography The group stand in three rows on green grass in front of a white house. The women wear red jackets, white tops and blue skirts, while the men wear camel-coloured hats, and white jackets. They stand next to two colourful signs.Stephen Cain Photography
The Isle of Man Arts Council supported the dancers with a grant to be able to make the trip

During the trip, a workshop at a Welsh high school saw Manx dance steps being taught to local pupils.

Chairman of the troupe Ben Harris said: "It was a joy to see how keen the students were to explore Manx culture and try out a few moves themselves.

"Moments like this show how much we have in common across Celtic nations, and how dance and music naturally bring us together."

News imageStephen Cain Photography The group sit on a train in their costumes waving red Manx flags and cheer.Stephen Cain Photography
The group performed in traditional costumes at the festival

Locals could also take in a range of street performances.

Choreographer Carol Hayes said: "It's not every day you dance in thick wool on what felt like the hottest day of the year, but sharing our heritage made it all worthwhile."

Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, the trip had "underscored the importance of cultural exchange and preserving the Isle of Man's unique traditions", a spokesman for the group said.

Such events "provide a platform to strengthen ties between nations, while ensuring that traditional dancing, music, and storytelling continue to thrive for future generations", they added.

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