Manx musicians, dancers, artists, filmmakers and cultural ambassadors will represent the Isle of Man at Festival Interceltique de Lorient (FIL), the world's largest celebration of Celtic culture next week.
Taking place in Brittany from 31 July to 9 August 2026, the festival brings together performers and cultural representatives from across the Celtic nations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors over 10 days.
More than 5,000 performers take part each year, making it one of the largest gatherings of Celts in the world. The Isle of Man has maintained a presence at the festival for more than 40 years, helping to strengthen cultural ties and introduce new audiences to Manx music, dance, language and traditions.
This year's Manx musical line-up features folk supergroup Mec Lir, Manx-Breton collaborative group Neear Nesañ, folk ensemble An Corran, electronic music project Çheumooie, traditional musicians Beccy Hurst and Alasdair Paul, and the Manx dance group Ny Manninee.
The Isle of Man will also be represented in the Interceltic Music Project, which brings together young musicians from across the Celtic nations for a two-week residency and performance programme during the festival. This year, Arabella Ayen and Jack McLean have been selected to take part, collaborating with fellow musicians from across the Celtic world while also performing at the festival as members of An Corran.
Representing the Isle of Man in the visual arts programme will be artist Lisa Lennon, whose work will feature in the Euroceltic Art Exhibition, alongside artists from across the Celtic nations.
The Island will also be represented at CinéFIL, the festival's film programme celebrating screen culture from across the Celtic world. Two Manx short films have been selected for screening: Yn Shenn Dooinney as ny Ferrishyn (The Old Man and the Fairies), a stop-motion retelling of a traditional Manx folktale by Lily-Joy Lancashire, and Yn Arbyl, a short film by Maeve Callister-Wafer exploring the landscape and cultural significance of Niarbyl. Both films were created with support from Culture Vannin as part of Blein ny Gaelgey 2026 (Year of the Manx Language).
The Isle of Man Pavilion will once again provide a hub for Manx culture throughout the festival, with eight volunteers attending as cultural ambassadors in the shared Celtic area. Their participation has been made possible through support from Visit Isle of Man, Island Escapes, and funding from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Manx Community Assistance Scheme.
Grainney Sheard, Festival Delegate for the Isle of Man, said: ‘This year's delegation demonstrates the breadth and talent of contemporary Manx culture, from music and dance to film, visual arts, language and heritage.
‘The festival creates an important opportunity for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, while providing an international platform to celebrate Manx culture and introduce new audiences to the Isle of Man.’
The festival programme includes concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, gastronomy, workshops and the famous Grande Parade des Nations Celtes.
To keep up to date with the Isle of Man delegation throughout the festival, follow @mannin_fil on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about the festival, visit https://www.festival-interceltique.bzh
