Call for nominations for top Manx cultural award

The Reih Bleeaney Vanannan is the highest cultural award on the Isle of Man

People have been invited to nominate an individual who has made a lasting contribution to the Isle of Man's culture for a special award.

The Reih Bleeaney Vanannan (RBV), which is Manx Gaelic for Manannan’s Choice of the Year, highlights the voluntary work done to progress Manx heritage.

Nominations for the honour, which was previously awarded for contributions to history, music, art, language and wildlife, are open until 3 December.

Director of Culture Vannin Breesha Maddrell said it was a way of thanking individuals for "what they give so freely to the Isle of Man and its sense of identity".

Nominations for the award are open until 3 December

First launched in 1986, the RBV depicts the sea god Manannan as the patron of Manx culture and is the top award in the area.

Nominees are assessed on the breadth and longevity of their contribution, how people share their work with others, and how unique the work is.

Last year, the RBV was awarded to Adrian Corkill for his work compiling a database documenting more than 2,000 historical shipwrecks in Manx waters over 30 years.

As well as having their name added to the trophy, recipients receive a medal, recipients are given the opportunity to nominate a Manx cultural cause to receive a donation.

Dr Maddrell said it was a "wonderful way of recognising the contribution to Manx culture by a person or a group or people".

It was both a celebration as well as a "ripple effect" in spreading the positive impact of the work, she added.

The winner, to be announced in January, is decided by a panel made up of various island cultural organisations.