Young Performers Dazzle at 2026 Young Singer of Mann Competition

The 2026 Young Singer of Mann competition showcased the talents of 48 young performers at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin last weekend. The event featured a variety of musical styles, including classical, pop, folk, and musical theatre, with participants ranging from Year 3 through Year 13. This year marked the introduction of a new intermediate class for students in school Years 7 to 9, which commenced the competition on Saturday morning.

In the intermediate class, Evie Traynor took first place with an unaccompanied performance of “Irree ny Greiney” followed by “Be Kind to Your Parents.” Allysandra Pataray secured second place with her renditions of “The Jones Boys” and “God Help the Outcasts,” while Parker Kissack earned third place with performances of “I’m Learning to Read” and “Tale of the Whippoorwill.”

The junior class, featuring students from Years 3 to 6, took the stage on Saturday afternoon. Freda Anderson won first place with her performances of “Halloween Witches” and “Everlasting” from *Tuck Everlasting*. Indi Haywood was the runner-up with “The Owls” and “Maybe,” and Hector Walls secured third place with “The Lighthouse” and “Little People” from *Les Misérables*.

The senior class, which included students from Years 10 to 13, took place on Sunday afternoon and featured several remarkable performances. Prior to the announcement of the results, reigning Young Singer of Mann Breesha Kelsey captivated the audience with her rendition of “Alma del Core” by Caldara. Spot prizes were awarded to Scarlet Brophy for her performance of “Right Hand Man (Something Rotten)” and Alexis Wilson for “One Perfect Moment.”

In the senior category, River Kelly Brown was named the overall winner after delivering powerful performances of “Scarborough Fair” and “The Life I Never Led” from *Sister Act*. Kendra Maddox was the runner-up, and Katie Rose Hughes placed third. The competition concluded with the presentation of the trophy and a £150 prize by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer.

Pip Rolfe, the creative director at the Erin Arts Centre, expressed her delight at hosting the competition. She stated, “It’s an absolute pleasure to host this competition and watch it grow. Congratulations to all these incredible young people.” The event not only celebrated the performers’ talents but also highlighted the vibrant arts community in the region.