Isle of Man folk group wins Celtic festival competition

A Manx folk group has won first prize in the best newcomers category at the 2011 Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany.

Nish As Rish recorded their debut album on the Isle of Man earlier this year.

The band, graduates from the University of York, were awarded a bronze trophy and 1,200 Euro prize money.

Singer Ruth Keggin said: "The support we had from the audience was fantastic and it was lovely to see the three legs being flown so proudly".

This is the second time a Manx band has won the prize with King Chiaullee winning in 2008.

"It's a real achievement for the island and for Manx music to have won twice in four years" continued Ms Keggin.

"I was so proud to be able to represent the island this year in Lorient - for us to win the trophy on top of that was a dream come true".

Nish As Rish performed in the festival final alongside Ceoltoiri Cois Laoi from Ireland, Kelien from Brittany and and Brandal from Asturias.