Expanded Manx Language Festival “Cooish Vooar” Set to Reach New Audiences Thanks to Island Escapes Partnership

Culture Vannin is delighted to announce a major sponsorship from Island Escapes for Cooish Vooar, – Manx language festival, taking place from Friday 25 September to Tuesday 29 September 2026.

Becky McSevney, Operations Officer at Culture Vannin, said:

“The annual Cooish has been an important part of the Manx cultural calendar for many years, and the Year of the Manx Language 2026 gives us the perfect opportunity to go ‘Vooar’ (Big) and share it with more people than ever before. To realise that ambition, we needed a partner that shared our commitment to making Manx language and culture accessible to as many people as possible. Island Escapes has been a valued supporter of our work for several years, and we are delighted to be building on that relationship through this major sponsorship.”

The sponsorship has enabled Culture Vannin to expand the festival for the Year of the Manx Language, creating a larger and more ambitious programme that will widen community engagement with the Manx language while providing more opportunities for existing learners and speakers to come together and celebrate.

Cooish Vooar offers five days of workshops, lessons, concerts, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities celebrating the Manx language and the Island’s wider culture. In total the programme offers 32 events designed for all ages and language abilities. There will be opportunities to experience living cultural traditions, making it attractive to both local audiences and visitors alike.

Becky went on to say:

“Manx culture is for everyone, everywhere. Whether you have lived on the Isle of Man all your life, chosen to have made the Island your home, or are discovering Manx culture from further afield, there is something here for you.

The Manx language is a brilliant way to connect people to the places, stories and traditions that make this Island so unique. Cooish Vooar is an opportunity to experience that connection in a welcoming and enjoyable way, whether you are hearing Manx for the first time or have spoken it for years.

We are grateful to Island Escapes for sharing our vision for the festival and supporting us in showcasing the Manx language.”

The sponsorship marks the latest stage in a growing partnership between Island Escapes and Culture Vannin. Since 2024, Island Escapes has supported the charity through customer donation initiatives, funding opportunities for local festivals and events. The company also demonstrated its commitment to the Year of the Manx Language from the outset, sponsoring the official launch and helping to champion the celebration with its guests throughout 2026.

John Keggin, Commercial Director of Island Escapes, said:

“As a company founded and deeply rooted in the Isle of Man community, we understand that our Island’s distinct character is a key draw for both visitors and those who call the Isle of Man home. By partnering with Culture Vannin we are ensuring that opportunities to engage in Manx culture continue to develop and expand along with the Island’s reputation as a culturally rich destination 

We are particularly pleased to support Cooish Vooar during the Year of the Manx Language. The festival creates opportunities for people to come together through language, culture and community, and we hope this sponsorship encourages other businesses to consider how they too can play a role in supporting the Island’s cultural life.”