Groups prepare for ancient Hunt the Wren tradition

One of the unique Manx festive traditions will take place on St Stephen's Day as Hunt the Wren is marked with singing and dancing across the island's communities.

Culture Vannin said the practice dates back to pre-Christian times, and was centred around a wren, described as "the king of all birds" in legend.

In modern times, an artificial wren is used which is "hunted" and danced through the streets on top of a wren pole.

Hunt the Wren was first recorded on the island in the 1720s, though even then was said "to have been practised since time immemorial", according to Culture Vannin.

The cultural organisation said the practice was once observed across the British Isles and parts of Northern Europe, but had "long since died out in all but the Isle of Man and Ireland".

In recent years, the tradition has been revived in parts of England, and has in particular seen a resurgence in popularity on the island.

Before this, during what is known as the Manx cultural revival of the 1970s and 80s, Culture Vannin said Hunt the Wren had become "revitalised with a new focus on the dance".

Gatherings will be held across the island on St Stephen's Day, also known as Boxing Day, on Thursday.

Ramsey will see people will meet at 10:30 GMT outside St Paul's Church.

The Raven Pub in Ballaugh will see participants gather at 11:20.

In Sulby, the festivities take place at 11:40 at the Sulby Glen Pub.

St. John's will see people meet at 10:30 in the Arboretum car park.

In Kirk Michael, the venue is outside the Mitre pub at 11:00.

In Douglas, people will gather at 10:15 for a 10:30 start outside the Woodbourne Hotel.

Willaston School Car Park, opposite the Manor Pub, will also play host to performers in Willaston at 10:45.

In Port St Mary, people will meet at 10:00 in the Scoill Phurt-le-Moirrey school car park.

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