Fiona McArdle introduces this edition of Shiaght Laa in which we hear from David Callin, just prior to the launch of his book of poetry, 'From the Nab', published by Culture Vannin.

The Director of Culture Vannin, Breesha Maddrell, shares some of her thoughts on Manx culture and the role of Culture Vannin with Phil Gawne, and also explains the process of awarding the annual cultural honour, Reih Bleeaney Vanannan.

Fiona McArdle introduces a programme in which we hear Ruth Keggin Gell give her reaction to this year's Cooish Manx Language Festival which she co-ordinated, and we also hear from special guest to the festival, Scottish Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop, who tells us about her own experience of the Scottish Gaelic language and her careers as an award winning singer and as a television presenter in a range of Scottish Gaelic programmes.

Kate Jerry and Collette Gambell run the Artreach Studios in Peel, where they have a wide range of events, with great opportunities to enjoy getting involved in hands-on, creative work. There are many workshops for adults and youngsters, and Kate tells us of Artreach Studios involvement in creative opportunities for talented teenagers. With so much going on, keep an eye on their website - www.artreachiom.com

Fiona McArdle introduces a programme in which we hear from yn Greinneyder, Culture Vannin's Manx Language Development Officer, Ruth Keggin Gell, about the Cooish Manx Language Festival 2024, which is running from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th November, and includes a concert with Scottish Gaidhlig singer, Joy Dunlop, accompanied by Ron Jappy. Joy will also be giving workshops in Scottish Gaelic and singing in that language, whilst Ron will be giving a workshop on guitar accompaniment and a Scottish tune workshop.

We also look ahead to performances on Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th November at the House of Manannan in Peel by Labyrinth : History in Action, bringing stories of life and death round Manx shores, in association with the All at Sea exhibition currently on show.

As soon as the sun goes down, we start a new 24 hour cycle consisting of the eve, followed by the day itself. Sundown on 31st October brings the Manx tradition of Hop tu Naa, with its surprising variation of associated songs, some of which we hear, whilst Culture Vannin's Online and Educational Resources Officer, James Franklin, tells us more about the tradition.

Culture Vannin's Manx Language Development Officer, Ruth Keggin Gell, has been co-ordinating the work which goes into making the Cooish Manx Language Festival, running this year from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th November. Ruth outlines the history and purpose of the Cooish and who all is involved with it this year.

From Saturday 26th October there'll be an exhibition entitles 'Rare Sightings and Urban Faeries' at the Manx Museum in Douglas. We hear from the curator of the exhibition for Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin, Manx National Heritage, Nicola Tooms, before we hear from the artist herself, Julia Ashby Smyth, who has 77 images on display.

In a week's time it'll be Hop tu Naa. Whilst there's a feeling that it remains a strong Manx tradition, that's never been evaluated. This year Culture Vannin's Online and Educational Resources Officer, James Franklin, is encouraging people to take part in what will be a baseline survey to look back on and compare with in 10, 20 or 50 years.

Maralyn Crellin gives us an overview of some of the opportunities to enjoy a range of music in the course of the next week. Some of these take place as part of concert seasons in churches, and we also hear about St Paul's Church in Ramsey, celebrating the anniversary of its consecration by Bishop George Murray on 18th August 1822.

However, our main focus is on 15th August, which is Laa'l Moirrey Toshee, the principal feast day of St Mary, who remains an important figure for the church in Man. A well-known song in Manx, collected by Mona Douglas, invokes 'blessed Mary' to increase the milk of a cow that's being milked, and with that idea in mind we also hear some Manx poetry about cows!

This is the final programme in this series of Shiaght Laa.

Fiona McArdle hosts this edition of Shiaght Laa in which we hear of Manx representatives at two large festivals.

This week, Yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol is taking place in Pontypridd, and Manx delegates Nicola Tooms and Matilda Watson were welcomed to the stage by the Archdderwydd.

Lorient in Brittany will again be abuzz with music, and from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th August, a large contingent of Manxies will be taking part in the city's huge Festival Interceltique. We hear about it from Grainney Sheard, her sister Ealee, Breeshey Kermode of Biosphere Isle of Man and Blue Badge guide Jacqueline Yates, who will all be there as part of a contingent of about 60 people from the Island, performing music, song and dance and promoting the Island's unique culture.

In this edition of 'Shiaght Laa' we hear about some of the many opportunities to enjoy music and exhibitions of various sorts, about a tradition associated with 1st August - known in Manx as Laa Luanys or Laa Luanistyn - and hear from some of the people who enjoyed Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering last week, and how it was that they came to be in the Island for it.

We hear from the duo, Tarmac, James Green (from Port St Mary) and Suzie Wilcox; two young women from Switzerland; Fiona and Anna from the USA; and members of the group of Irish musicians, singers and dancers, The Len Collective.