Dr Breesha Maddrell was guest of honour at the annual lunch of the London Manx Society (Yn Cheshaght Vanninagh Lunnin).
Members and guests gathered at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, near Russell Square, for the event.
Breesha, who is the acting director of Culture Vannin, informed members of the reasons for the recent change of name from the Manx Heritage Foundation to the new name of Culture Vannin.
Breesha talked about the culture of the Isle of Man, its language, literature, music, dance, history and people.
Breesha, herself a fluent Manx Gaelic speaker, spoke of how culture is key to who we are.
It is a vibrant and living culture that shapes our strong sense of belonging that also needs to continue to be inclusive. Breesha spoke of how Culture Vannin wanted to take Manx culture forward in creative, innovative ways.
Alastair Kneale, president of London Manx, thanked Breesha for travelling from the island to deliver an excellent speech, which was appreciated by everyone there.
At the annual lunch thanks was given to Sally Millar who gave the toast: The Land of Our Birth and to all who continue to contribute to the work of the London Manx Society.
With sadness those who attended remembered those members who are no longer with us. The song Ellan Vannin and the Manx National Anthem (Arrane Ashoonagh) were sung at the event, which concluded with the words ‘Mannin dy bra!’ (Isle of Man forever).