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Fire, folklore and rituals to take over Manx beach

Alex BlakeIsle of Man
News imageVisit Isle of Man & David Lovelady Two men in armour are performing a battle on the beach at night. The man on the left wears a crown and dis holding two flaming sword-like sticks. The man on the right holds a shield and an aze. You can see crowds watching behind them. Visit Isle of Man & David Lovelady
Oie Voaldyn is a celebration that takes place on what is traditionally known as the final night of winter

Time will be turned back on Peel beach at the weekend as part of an annual ancient festival rooted in Celtic and Norse traditions.

Oie Voaldyn means May Day Eve, a celebration that takes place on what is traditionally known as the final night of winter.

The fire and folk festival will include the Shetland's Lerwick Jarls Squad, playing a central role in this year's event.

The group takes part in the Shetland's annual Up Helly Aa fire festival, marching in torch-lit processions inspired by the Scottish island's own Norse heritage.

What is happening

Held on Peel beach with the backdrop of its ancient castle ruins, Oie Voaldyn combines ritual, performance and community celebration.

There will be a theatrical re-enactment of the battle between summer and winter, involving costumed performers, drummers, fire-spinners and a community choir singing traditional Manx songs.

News imageVisit Isle of Man & David Lovelady A woman with her hair in plait, with a sun symbol on her forehead. She holds up two metal semi-circular frames, with fire at the ends of spokes. It is dark and she is lit by the fire around her.Visit Isle of Man & David Lovelady
Fire spinners are among the performers involved in the festival

About 30 Vikings from Lerwick Jarls Squad are taking part, bringing hand-crafted regalia including shields and axes.

The group will also lead a children's costume parade, judge entries and award prizes.

Later, they will lead a torch-lit procession from Peel Hill to the beach and will light the festival fires.

The event will conclude with a large fire show by the Bring The Fire Project, professional fire performers based in Liverpool and fireworks display.

Why does it still take place?

Oie Voaldyn upholds the traditions which began in the island's ancient Celtic and Norse past.

The use of fire is said to return fertility to the land, casting off the darkness and welcoming back summer.

The performances of the battle between summer and winter, represent the opposing forces where ultimately summer prevails.

News imageVisit Isle of Man & David Lovelady A wide shot of Peel beach at night with performers scattered around and crowds in the background. There is a fire spinner on the left and a bonfire on the right. In the background overlooking the beach is Peel Castle, lit up with white flood lights. The sky is cloudy as the sky darkens.Visit Isle of Man & David Lovelady
The performances take place with the backdrop of Peel Castle

With elaborate costumes and performances, it is not just intended for local audiences.

It is a family-friendly cultural experience, which hopes to attract visitors to the island for the Bank Holiday weekend.

When is it taking place?

Oie Voaldyn will take place on Sunday 3 May in Peel during the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Events are to begin from 13:00 BST, with the children's parade at 16:00, and festivities continuing into the evening across Peel hill and the beach.

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