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Celtic Media Festival held on Island for first time

Producers and broadcasters from all Celtic nations to gather at Villa Marina

Producers and broadcasters from the world of television, radio, and film will gather at the Villa Marina today (3 May) for three days of talks and a competition of international renown.

It's the start of the Celtic Media Festival, where representatives from media in all the Celtic nations gather for an award ceremony, combined with a series of seminars and master classes. 

Held every year in a different location, it first took place in the Western Isles in Scotland back in 1980, and is now being held on the Island for the very first time.

A celebration of the languages and cultures of the Celtic world on screen and through broadcast, the festival has grown significantly since it's inception.

Representatives from regional media organisations like BBC Wales and Scotland, RTE, S4C and TG4 will all be in attendance.

Categories for this year's prizes include best drama series, documentary and children's programme, as well as radio presenter of the year.

Notable nominations are acclaimed dramas such as the BBC's award-winning 'Line of Duty' and 'War and Peace', documentary Aberfan: The Fight for Justice, and Roald Dahl's City of the Unexpected.

Local entries are the short drama the 'Battle of Ronaldsway', filmed on Island -whilst Manx Radio is up for best radio station, and for radio documentary, with Michelle Jamieson's Young Voters on the Isle of Man.

It all kicks off at the opening ceremony which starts today (3 May) at 4pm, with the final awards night on Friday, bringing the festival to a close.  

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