Children to learn musical traditions of Hop-tu-Naa

The session will be held in the Philip Christian Centre in Peel on 5 October

Children are being given the chance to find out about the traditions of Hop-tu-Naa at a special musical session in the west of the Isle of Man.

The Big Bree Workshop Weekend will explore the Manx customs associated with 31 October through singing, dancing, storytelling and craft.

Aimed at those aged 10 to 18, the event takes place between 10:00 and 16:00 BST on 5 October at the Philip Christian Centre in Peel.

Culture Vannin's Manx Music Development Officer Chloe Woolley said it would help "keep the traditions alive and passed along to the next generation".

Anyone interested in taking part must sign up by Friday.

Bree is an educational movement set up by Culture Vannin in 2006

Dr Woolley said the customs of Hop-tu-Naa had "enjoyed a revitalization in recent years" and "most people love to hear children singing the traditional songs when they come to the door with their carved turnips".

The tradition is one of the oldest continuous customs on the island, celebrated on 31 October, which has its roots in Celtic festivals that marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

The one day workshop will teach attendees traditional songs in English and Manx as well as a version of the dance.

The application deadline to join the workshop closes on Friday 27 September

Participants will also have the opportunity to find out about Jinny the Witch and other customs related to the Manx tradition.

The session closes with a showcase concert for families and friends.

It is part of a Culture Vannin musical educational movement called Bree, which is Manx for vitality.

Launched in 2006, the series aims to teach young people about the island's traditions in a creative way.