Valerie Caine's blog

Later this month there's an opportunity to celebrate the linguistic, musical and cultural Gaelic links as one language between the sister nations at a special Manx launch at the Centenary Centre in Peel.

This unique collaboration, bringing together expressive vocals from three of the Gaelic nations as one voice, re-unites the Scottish, Irish and Manx Gaels for the first time in centuries.

Despite the unfavourable weather conditions which plagued the one hundred and twentieth anniversary celebrations of the Snaefell Mountain Railway, many people made a pilgrimage to the summit for this special occasion.

Proceedings got under way at Laxey Tram Station with a performance by members of the National Methodist Youth Brass Band, who were on an extensive tour of the Island.

For those with an interest in World War II, this weekend's special 1940s event on the Island's vintage steam railway should be just the ticket.

Advertised as a family-friendly event, it's a chance to relive the nostalgia of 1940s wartime with the Isle of Man Steam Railway's fifth Island at War weekend.

A number of events will take place at three of the main railway stations, bringing history to life at Douglas, Castletown and Port Erin.

Isle of Man Post Office has teamed up with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the legendary battle with a special set of collectable memorabilia.

With the Snaefell Mountain Railway still going strong and as popular as ever, special celebrations will mark the network's 120th anniversary on the summit on the 20 August.

There will be special trams and activities throughout the day, which will culminate in the inaugural presentation of a specially commissioned forty minute work for a chamber ensemble, which will be performed inside the Summit Restaurant and simultaneously relayed over loudspeakers across the surrounding countryside.

In a spectacular finale to this year's Lorient Interceltique Festival, two Manx bands swept the board in their bid for the coveted Trophée Loic Raison, topping off a special year for the Isle of Man at the annual festival in Brittany.

Power trad trio, Barrule, clinched first prize and the Ruth Keggin Band was right behind them in second position, showing that the Isle of Man, despite its size, can hold its own in the world of Celtic music.

Billed as the Island's biggest family day out, the much anticipated Royal Manx Agricultural Show proved a resounding success, as crowds flocked to the west of the Island to enjoy this annual two-day event at Knockaloe Farm in Patrick.

The showfield's main entertainment ring provided an almost constant programme of events, including gymnastics, Isle of Man Police Dogs demonstrations, the Steve Colley Motorcycle Show and the magnificent Glebe View Clydesdales shire horses.

The popping of champagne corks and the chink of wine bottles heralded the opening of TNT Theatre Britain's celebrated interpretation of Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, with performances at Peel Castle and Rushen Abbey.

Despite differing weather conditions, patrons unveiled assorted hampers and picnic baskets as Grantly Marshall introduced TNT Theatre Britain's latest production, which had brought them to the Island for a seventh, consecutive year.

Although the Isle of Man has been represented for many years at the Festival Interceltique Lorient in Brittany, this is the first time in the festival's forty five year history that the Island has been the main focus, sharing the status of 'honoured nation' with Cornwall.

With a population of over ninety million, and listed as the thirteenth most densely populated country in the world, Vietnam's economy has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but it's not good news for everyone; which is why local woman, Fiona Hill-Heaton, is fundraising for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation.

Millions of families in the poor, rural and ethnic minority communities continue to be at risk, as high inflation leaves them struggling to pay for basic daily needs, such as food, water, transportation, schooling and health care.