Spotlight - Manx Radio

We hear about the RMS concerts, TT fan and artist Rachael Clegg talks about her new book featuring her own iconic TT images and incredible archive pics, IOMAC funding for short films and look ahead to the Wurlitzer concerts.

Dr Fiona Gell discusses her new book "Spring Tides", more on the Legion's 90th anniversary, a green-themed poem from the bard and 40 short films released online as Culture Vannin celebrate their 40th

Steph and Sonya chat with Howard about the life and times of The Legion Players - celebrating their 90th anniversary this year, K Rose Quayle talks about her book on mental health and the treatment known as ECT and former journalist Joanne Clague tells us about her debut novel!

This week . . . we hear from Jackie Morrey-Grace ahead of a performance of her latest work "Asila's Song" at the Erin Arts Centre, our first "meet the member" as we profile the IOM Arts Council and something you thought you'd never hear - mime on the radio . .  .

We hear about special 40th anniversary grants from Culture Vannin and the Manx Heritage Foundation, stories from the time of the Duke of Atholl come alive in the Labyrinth players radio plays and astronaut Nicole Stott talks about her space dolphin!

We hear about a Culture Vannin produced film in a major festival in Brittany, more about the ArtReach Studios in Peel, a panto with a difference and a final chance to hear Cleveland Plate winner Paul Costain . . 

H drops into Artreach studios in Peel as final year UCM visual arts students set up their "Ubiquitous" exhibition, Iva has a poem for us and it's Laxey Brass!

The art of Eileen Schaer celebrated in stamp release, seasoned adjudicator Jan Palmer-Sayer on the MADF Easter Play Festival and the first in a regular series of poems from the island's bards!

We hear about this year's IOM Art Society Easter Art Exhibition, back at the Villa Arcade, an exciting change for the Young Actor of Mann and of course - it's almost Guild time!

In this episode we hear about the Easter Art Tank for young creatives, Fenella Beach heads up a glam spectacular fundraiser, the final curtain for the suspect players and brush up your Shakespeare!

We hear about the return of the Easter play festival, a performance of Mozart's Requiem, a new book on the Laxey mine disaster and how could we ignore the annual spectacle of the Young Farmers Concert!

The Parodos Theatre company gear up for their production of "Much Ado" .  . . more on biosphere art, a bardic poem and what happens when shanties meet bonnag ?!

H catches up with the new MWT Biosphere Artist in residence, the new Manx Youth Bard, a cast member from "Hunt" at Kensington Arts and sleeping bags at the ready - it could be a long one . . it's the Braaid Eisteddfod!

Howard speaks to the author of a new book on Manx fairies, Ged finds out more about a locally made short film on a shocking topic and why the organs on the island are disappearing . . . . 

One Act Play Fest, live at the hit factory in Peel, the best photos online and a demon at the Gaiety!

Shawn Sturnick speaks with Simon Parkin, the author of critically acclaimed new book ‘the Island of Extraordinary Captives’ and Ged Power heads to the pub, where a new musical takes shape during a multi-genre jam session or live rehearsal.

Christy investigates a basking shark trail in Port Erin, finds out about an arts event for LGBT history month and hears about the local band that has reformed after a 35 year 'break'- and now recording a brand new EP.     

On Spotlight this week, Christy DeHaven brings us two tales that tell of the power of art and its positive effects on our mental health and well being.  Author Robert Cowley brings us a new bedtime story, about a dragon who’s on a mission to bring happy and colourful dreams to little kids and big kids alike. Also tonight, we head South for a community art exhibition with a difference, as photographer Jimmy Thistle takes us on a personal journey with his wild wanderings. As ever, we’d love to hear about your artistic endeavours, so if you have something you think we should feature, you can email us - spotlight@ manxradio.com. 

Kensington Arts Centre may have a new name and a new creative lead with a new vision, but the end goal is still to inspire, encourage and teach the arts to the local community.  Christy DeHaven catches up with Peter Shimmin - the new person in charge - to find out what is in store for the former YAC and have a tour of the facilities while there (full interview).   

This week, Christy speaks with ceramicist-turned-painter Martin Hearne, who shares tales of his wonderful new exhibition at the Manx Museum. Also, Peter Shimmin tells us about the journey that led him back to the Island - to take on a role that will see him developing the Arts Centre where he once studied his craft. And we get a wee taste of Trip's new album 'Drop for Neptune', with a song written by Manx fiddle player Isla Callister.