Manannan wants your help in choosing a cultural hero!

Manannan wants your help in choosing a cultural hero!

Tue, 05 Nov 2024

Adrian Corkill RBV, who received the award in January 2024

Did you know that Manannan is the patron of Manx culture? Each year, Culture Vannin coordinates nominations for the Island’s own ‘January honours’ for Manx culture, to choose who should be named the ‘Reih Bleeaney Vanannan’, Manannan’s Choice of the Year.

Nominations are open throughout November and the process couldn’t be easier – there’s a simple form to fill in, and all you have to do is write about why an individual or a group should be recognised, whether they’ve achieved something incredible for Manx culture recently, or have made a lasting contribution.

Last year, the award was made to Adrian Corkill, whose research into the maritime history of the Isle of Man, and his generosity in sharing his findings, was recognised.

Director of Culture Vannin, Dr Breesha Maddrell, encourages people to make nominations: “The award is a wonderful way of recognising the contribution to Manx culture by a person or a group or people. It is a way of thanking them for what they give so freely to the Isle of Man and its sense of place and identity.”

The award covers the broad sweep of Manx culture, represented by previous winners who include Nigel Crowe (genealogy, land division, history), Fiona McArdle (Manx language, music, and history), the Michael Players (dialect theatre), William Cain (wildlife and environment), Clare Kilgallon (music, song and dance), the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh (language and culture), and Maureen Costain Richards (Manx artistic heritage).

The award comprises a trophy depicting Manannan sculpted by Eric Austwick, a medal designed by Jenny Kissack, together with donations to the recipient and to a Manx cultural cause of their choosing. Nominations from the public are reviewed by a group of judges from various Manx cultural organisations, with the winner usually announced in January.

Nomination forms, rules and guidance notes are available online here or by emailing us – your nomination should assume that the reader knows nothing about the individual or group and should show how they have made an impact on the Island’s culture. If they have been active in one or more areas, or have achieved something remarkable in the past year or over their lifetime, make sure you detail this – all aspects are considered by the judges.

Nominations close at 12 noon on Tuesday 3 December 2024.