taking our culture forward

Young Manx band wow at Lorient

Thu, 22 Aug 2024


Young Manx traditional band Scran have just returned home after a phenomenal week in Brittany, performing at the world’s largest Celtic festival, Festival Interceltique de Lorient.

As well as performing for audiences of thousands, the talented young musicians were also selected to compete in the final stage of the prestigious inter-Celtic band competition, Trophée Loïc Raison, where they scooped fourth place on Saturday night!

The band line-up of teenagers consists of Frank Joughin and Niamh Milsom on fiddles, Resa Brown and Alyth Braithwaite on harps, Daniel Cross on guitar and Fraser McKenna on keyboards, and the band were joined on stage by their mentor David Kilgallon and 12 year old Young Singer of Mann and Manx dancer Aalish Kilgallon who also gave some solo performances during the festival. The overall theme of the 2024 festival was ‘youth’, so Scran fitted the bill perfectly.

Describing the whole experience as “epic” and “an absolute blast”, Scran members reported that “every element of the festival has been amazing”.

18 year old fiddle player, Niamh, said:

“From playing to a massive inter-Celtic crowd, to dancing with the crowds to [watching] other incredible bands... playing sessions and having very late nights and to even just having conversations with people from different countries, the entire festival was the best experience possible”.

Harpist Resa loved “the excitement of a completely new and amazing experience... the most incredible part that stood out for me was watching the crowd at our last gig doing traditional Breton dancing whilst we were playing our music!”

15 year old Fraser, who plays keyboards with the band, added:

“The whole experience was like never before, because none of us had all performed together and had such big important gigs like in Lorient. Also the thousands of people watching us over the course of the festival was just incredible, nerve wracking and very exciting all at the same time!”

Part of Culture Vannin’s Manx music youth project, Bree, the band Scran was formed in 2015 under the leadership of Paul Rogers, and its rolling membership of young musicians from various schools around the Island has seen the production of two albums ‘Nane’ and ‘Jees’, docu-film features and high profile performances on and off the Island.

Now mentored by internationally renowned Manx musician and composer David Kilgallon, this was the band’s first trip to the festival in Lorient.

Along with Ny Fennee dance group and Manx acts, Mec Lir, Ruth Keggin, Mera Royle, Owen Williams, DJ Çheumooie and other artists, the festival invited Scran to be part of the delegation representing the Isle of Man.

Festival Interceltique de Lorient is one of the largest events in Brittany, France and Europe, attracting more than 950,000 visitors and spectators each year – 12 times more than last year’s number of TT visitors to the Island!

It was an inspiring experience for them all. Harpist Alyth said:

“The whole trip was an amazing opportunity to get to know and bond with our group and gain a whole new appreciation for where our music has the ability to take us”.

Mecia Brown said:

“As parents in the audience, we were bursting with so much pride. Scran’s energy was so contagious and their performances mesmerising. They captivated the different audiences and the crowds of people from all the countries felt the passion. Many asked where Scran were from and were delighted when we said the Isle of Man. They did the Isle of Man proud”.

Another parent, Tony Cross, added:

“I was also so proud to be able to witness Scran’s energetic and accomplished playing. Their performances really did impress and spread joy. It was an honour to share in this whole experience with an amazing group of people. The whole Manx delegation were outstanding ambassadors for this wonderful Island we call home!”

Frank’s dad Jamie Smith, a seasoned Celtic musician himself, has been attending the festival since childhood:

“To my mind Festival Interceltique de Lorient presents a unique opportunity for Manx performers of all ages to play on impressive stages with professional light and sound in front of large audiences of people who love Celtic/trad music.
The festival is a real melting pot where Manx artists meet artists from all the other Celtic nations and beyond, sharing music, language and dance.
It was a pleasure to witness Scran fully embrace the spirit of the festival and represent the Island with such skill, passion and energy. They inspired the festival crowds and I know they in turn were greatly inspired by the world class bands they had the chance to see and hear over the week.
It shouldn’t be underestimated how special Lorient is developmentally for the Isle of Man’s young performers, not to mention the positive impact it has had on the Manx trad scene down the years.”

Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx Music Development Officer for Culture Vannin, said:

“We were absolutely delighted when Scran was selected to be one of the Manx acts at this year’s Festival Interceltique de Lorient, and as soon as they heard the exciting news, the band dedicated themselves to hours and hours of rehearsals. The experience has taken their music making to a new level, but they all rose to the challenge and have exceeded all expectations. We hope that Scran’s success in Lorient will inspire other young musicians to get involved with Manx music and feel proud of coming from the Isle of Man. We welcome all young musicians to come and learn about Manx music through the Bree youth group, and for more experienced players or singers, there are regular auditions to join the band Scran”.

 

More information:

Additional Photos

Recent News
Full News Archive