Now in it’s 45th year, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient brings way over 800,000 people to it’s streets each year during a 10 day celebration of Interceltic music and culture. This year it was the Isle of Man and Cornwall who shared the title of highlighted nation, and highlighted they definitely were!
The prestigious band competition, the Trophée Loic Raison, has only been won by a Manx group twice beforein the festival’s 45 year history; once by Adam’s old band King Chiaullee in 2008, and once by Ruth Keggin‘s band Nish as Rish in 2011. This year both Barrule and Ruth had entered the competition amongst bands from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and more. After a packed final on the Quai de la Bretagne stage, the Isle of Man came out on top with both Manx entries winning 1st and 2nd; this first time a nation has won both prizes in the festival’s history. What an honour it was to not only win the trophy, but also to be one of the two Manx bands in 1st and 2nd places!