In the final programme in this series, Maralyn Crellin gives an overview of musical events during the coming week, and we dip into musical treats of yesteryear with songs by Florrie Forde - the final 'Kelly' song from 1920, 'Kelly's Got Married Today' and from 1930 asks, 'What Happened to the Manx Cat's Tail?'. As we often say in Shiaght Laa, people in the Island are active in many pursuits, and there are regular music sessions of all sorts, and the visual arts are extremely popular. This coming weekend, The Creative Network hold the final part of their biennial Isle of Man Art Festival, in which they're joined by the Manx Mural Fest. This coming Wednesday, 23rd August, there's a return visit by Professor R Andrew MacDonald, who'll be giving a talk in the Manx Museum Lecture Theatre in Douglas in association with his new publication, 'A Visitor's Guide to the Medieval Kingdoms of Man and the Isles, 1066-1275'. Shiaght Laa heard about Professor MacDonald's work some years ago on a previous visit.

Loaghtan Books have published a book that takes us to many unexpected corners and fascinating facts about the Island and its people. It's called 'Manx Myths, Mysteries and Miscellanies'. It's based on the research and articles of journalist and author, the late Robert Kelly. We hear about Robert and his work from his friend, Neal Hanson, and from Matthew Richardson of Manx National Heritage, who undertook the editorial work. We also hear from Grainney Sheard, who organises the Manx presence at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient which is now taking place, and briefly from Annie Kissack, speaking from the stage of the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol earlier in the week.

As well as hearing about other opportunities to enjoy a range of music, Yn Chruinnaght is in full swing and we hear from Jo Callister and Chloe Woolley about events from Thursday evening 27th July to Sunday 30th July. Almost on the eve of the Southern District Agricultural Show, we hear from show Secretary, Zoe Hampton, this year's President (and former Secretary), Sarah Comish, and from immediate past President, Briony Vernon.

We look to the west for the most part this time, as Maralyn Crellin tells us about the Peel Traditional Boat Weekend from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July, and that's followed by Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th July. However, in addition to events in Peel, Yn Chruinnaght also includes a series of events in Douglas and a packed day in St John's. Chloe Woolley and Jo Callister of Yn Chruinnaght join us to tell us about the events and the performers in Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering 2023.

Since 1979, the North American Manx Association has made an annual award of a series of specially-minted silver medals to young people of the Island who display eminence in aspects of the Island's cultural and community life. This year the ceremony to award these medals, plus two prizes of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for the most progress in the Manx language, was held on Friday 7th July. We join the ceremony which is opened by Paul Craine, MLC, of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, and we hear from President of the North American Manx Association, Kelly McCarthy, who presented the medals, and the President of Tynwald, Laurence Skelly, who presented the Department's prizes and gave a vote of thanks.

This is the last programme in this series of 'Shiaght Laa' and it's presented by Fiona McArdle, RBV. IOM Post Office has just issued a set of ten stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Manx Wildlife Trust with designs by MWT Artist in Residence, Clare Payne. We hear more about the work of MWT from Community Ranger, Hannah Phillips, including its role in The Manx Nature Show in Cathedral Isle of Man, about which Outreach and Education Manager of Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, Jen Adams, reminds us. One of Florrie Forde's hit songs was 'Flanagan' from 1910. It brought a response from another Australian performer in Britain, Billy Williams, who in 1911 announced that 'I'm the Man that Buried Flanagan'. However, that can't have been true because Florrie Forde was able to say, 'Hello there, Flanagan!' as he returned to the Isle of Man in 1919.

Jen Adams, the Outreach and Education Manager for the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch talks about the three-month project, The Manx Nature Show, which the Watch is steering and which opens in St German's Cathedral on 18th February, running through till 6th May. Taking part in The Manx Nature Show will be 22 environmental organisations, including the Manx Wildlife Trust. Community Ranger Hannah Phillips tells us about the Love Your Beach initiative and a chance to take part in a Bug Hunt in the Trust's Ballachurry reserve in Rushen.

We join the ceremony for the investiture of Shiaght Laa presenter, Fiona McArdle, as Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, the Island's highest cultural award. We hear from Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin, and briefly from the Culture Vannin Chairman, Chris Thomas MHK, before we hear from Fiona herself. Moylley as soylley da Fiona McArdle, RBV! In association with a piano recital by George Todica, Pip Rolfe of the Erin Arts Centre has organized a masterclass earlier in the day in which George Todica will talk about his repertoire and his experience as a leading young professional musician. Monday 13th February is the deadline for entries to Aundyryn Kiaull Theay Vannin, the Manx Folk Awards, and we hear about that from Jo Callister of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and from Chloe Woolley of Culture Vannin.

Fiona McArdle introduces the programme in which we hear from the Young Singer of Mann competitions. Congratulations to Anna Tamarova, winner of the junior category (7-12) and Eve Puzzar, winner of the senior category (13-18). We also hear of Laa'l Moirrey ny Gainle, the Manx Candlemas (2nd February) and of Black Saturday, when Dumbell's Bank failed to open (3rd February 1900). James Franklin of Culture Vannin tells us about the sources for the folkore and other interesting tales of Port Erin and its environs.

After a brief overview of events into the weekend, we join Pip Rolfe of the Erin Arts Centre to hear about the Young Singer of Mann competition, in two categories this year, the young age group on Saturday 28th January and the older age range on Sunday 29th January. The panel of adjudicators is chaired by Angela Stewart, who tells us about the judging criteria. As we approach the end of the month, we look ahead to folklore associated with Laa'l Breeshey, the celebration of the saint to whom Kirk Bride is dedicated. Laa'l Breeshey is 1st February.