Showcasing Manx culture in Morocco 'unforgettable'

Performers showcased the Isle of Man's traditional dancing on the festival stage in Marrakech

Showcasing Manx culture at one of Africa's largest folk dance festivals was "an unforgettable experience", the leader of a group of 48 musicians and dancers has said.

Skeddan Jiarg – which is Manx Gaelic for red herring – became the first group to represent the Isle of Man at the International Folklore Days Festival in Marrakech at the end of October.

The dancers, whose ages spanned five decades, performed traditional Manx routines with a live band alongside performers from places including Congo, Senegal, Mali, Ukraine, Switzerland, and Ireland.

Group leader and dance teacher Gráinne Joughin said they had been "incredibly proud to fly the Three Legs of Man in Morocco".

The dancers were accompanied by a live band of Manx musicians while performing

The Manx group took part in parades and cultural exchanges as well as performing their routines – and even managed to introduce the audiences to the Manx celebration of the Celtic New Year by singing the Hop-tu-Naa song.

Ms Joughin said the group was "very well looked after and made to feel welcome", adding: "Everyone was so friendly, which is exactly what you hope for when travelling that far."

"From performing in a Moroccan palace at night, to dancing on a stage surrounded by water in the baking heat, we were incredibly proud to fly the Three Legs of Man in Morocco," she said.

"I was glad we were able to so successfully showcase our wonderful Manx dance, music, and even some of our Manx language as well."

Skeddan Jiarg performed alongside groups from around the world

Described as a "global celebration of living heritage through music, dance, and traditions", the festival brought together more than 600 performers from 20 countries.

Performers showed off their talents and shared their cultural heritage at events between 23 and 26 October.

Skeddan Jiarg's participation was supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Vannin and the charity SoundCheck, with additional funding from the Peel Charity Shop, and the Marg McGee Community Awards.

The International Folklore Days Festival in Marrakech ran from 23 to 26 October

As well as taking part in local festivals Shennaghys Jiu and Yn Chruinnaght, the Peel-based intergenerational dance group has also previously represented the island at Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, Cwlwm Celtaidd in Wales, and Lowender Peran in Cornwall.

Ms Joughin said it was "a joy to put the Isle of Man on an international stage" on the latest trip.

She added it was "certainly something I'll be looking to do again in the future - who knows where we'll go next".

"It was definitely an unforgettable experience."