Bree workshop day for young musicians and dancers

Bree workshop day for young musicians and dancers

Thu, 12 Sep 2024

The songs, music, dance, stories and traditions of Hop tu Naa are the theme of this year’s Big Bree workshop!

Saturday 5th October
10am – 4pm
Philip Christian Centre, Peel
Cost: £10 for the whole day
Open to children aged 10 – 18
Application form: Bree Workshop Day 2024

Young musicians and dancers will have the chance to explore the ancient Manx calendar custom through singing, dancing, music-making, storytelling and craft, with the one-day workshop to close with a showcase concert for family and friends.

Hop tu Naa is the oldest continuously-existing tradition in the Isle of Man. Celebrated each year on the 31st of October, Hop tu Naa is the Manx equivalent of Halloween, but with some very important differences which will be explored during the workshop day.

Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx Music Development for Culture Vannin is organising the event alongside a team of volunteer tutors. She said:

“Hop tu Naa is unique to the Isle of Man, and although it has enjoyed a revitalization in recent years, it’s still important to keep the traditions alive and passed along to the next generation. Most people love to hear children singing the traditional songs when they come to the door with their carved turnips!

"At the Bree workshop day, the students will have the opportunity to learn some well-known, and lesser known songs in English and Manx, have a go at an exciting version of the dance, play their instrument in a band, find out about the real Jinny the Witch, and discover other curious customs connected to Hop tu Naa. Some children might like to compose a new song or tune, make some spooky craft decorations or create a drama piece under the guidance of our knowledgeable tutors. Then we’ll chuck all of that into Jinny’ cauldron and present a mini concert for family and friends!”

Bree, which is Manx for ‘vitality’, is an educational movement which provides a fun space for young musicians to explore Manx traditions in a fun and creative way. Set up by Culture Vannin in 2006, Bree meets monthly for a Manx music session, workshop or performance, and some of the more advanced members play with ‘Scran’; a teenage band who have recently returned from Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany where they performed in front of thousands and came fourth in the prestigious Loïc Raison Trophée band competition.

All young people are welcome to come along to the Big Bree Hop tu Naa day, and for just £10 for a day of fun and creativity, it is the ideal opportunity to get involved in Manx culture and make new friends!

Key information:

Closing date for applications: Friday 27th September
Contact: Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx Music Development Officer for Culture Vannin: manxmusic@culturevannin.im or tel. 694758.
Application form: Bree Workshop Day 2024

Additional Photos