A look at the year ahead
2010 is already shaping up to be an excellent year for arts and entertainment in the Isle of Man with a number of events already announced.
The past few years have seen some exciting developments in the music and arts scene.
One of the biggest has been the fact the Island has managed to attract the biggest stars in comedy and this is something that will continue over the next year.
The line up of acts to grace our shores has been staggering in recent years. Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre, Russell Brand, Alan Carr and Ross Noble are just a handful of those who have performed.
Two favourites have been confirmed to return. Dara O'Briain, who has sampled how welcoming the audience at the Villa Marina can be, heads back to the same venue on April 14.
The Mock the Week presenter impressed with his funny stories and his brilliant improvisational skills when he made his Manx debut in November 2008.
Sean Lock, who is a panellist on the comedy quiz show 8 Out of 10 Cats is also coming back. He first played at the Gaiety in November 2007 and will be returning to that venue on May 18.
2010 also sees Liverpudlian comic John Bishop play in the Island, at the Gaiety. He will be appearing on March 1.
John is a familiar face on TV, having appeared on such popular programmes as the BBC's Live At The Apollo.
Meanwhile Jim Davidson will be appearing at the Villa on June 22 and Phil Cool will appear at the Centenary Centre on September 4.
The Promenade Suite at the Villa continues to host the ever popular Comedy Club and looking ahead to 2011 (yes 2011!) comic Jason Manford (another panellist on 8 Out of 10 Cats) will be appearing at the Villa on February 25.
For details of all these shows see www.villagaiety.com
In terms of music the biggest event of the year will be the Manx Telecom Bay Festival which takes place at Noble's Park, Douglas, on June 18, 19 and 20.
Promoter Jonathan Irving has managed to book some of the most popular new acts of the moment as well as artists from years gone by.
JLS, who will be appearing on the Friday night, have not only made a huge impact in the charts but their gigs and public appearances have been a massive hit with fans. They have also appeared on countless TV shows and have a big following.
The Saturday night sees Spandau Ballet headlining. The band has received quite a lot of publicity since reforming and are known for a number of classic hits such as True and Gold.
The audience can expect a diverse bill that night as Calvin Harris (another man of the moment) will also be appearing, as will a number of other acts including the local band who manage to win a Battle of the Bands competition at Amber bar.
Sunday afternoon sees a number of ex-contestants from Britain's Got Talent and the X Factor appearing.
An act from the recently finished series of the X Factor will be on the bill alongside others from previous years.
Finally, on the Sunday night expect some 80s nostalgia from the likes of Boy George, Rick Astley, Kim Wilde, Belinda Carlisle and many more.
For more on the Manx Telecom Bay Festival see www.bayfestival.im
The Big Wheel Blues Festival will take place at its usual venue of the Riverside Pavilion, Laxey, on May 1 and 2 will again feature top visiting blues and roots artists as well as homegrown talent.
For more details see www.bigwheelblues.com
This month sees the Southern Tenant Folk Union, brought over by JonnoPromotions, play at the Promenade Suite on January 30.
Indie band The Automatic will be playing at that same venue on February 27.
Midge Ure, who is being brought over by Mark Armstrong, will play at the Centenary Centre on February 13 and 14.
The brilliant Martin Simpson and his band will play at the Peel Centenary Centre on February 27.
And Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be returning to the Villa Marina on June 23 and June 24.
But let's not forget some of the many other excellent events lined up.
Douglas Choral Union will perform Disney's Beauty and The Beast from January 30 to February 6 while the Manx Operatic Society will stage Hot Mikado from March 20 to March 27. Both these productions are at the Gaiety.
The Manx Ballet Company will present La Fille Mal Gardee or The Wayward Daughter from February 19 to 21 at the Gaiety.
The Inspiration Theatre Company will present Has Peel Got Any More Talent? (January 29), The Adventures of Mr Toad (March 18 to 20) and Calamity Jane (August 24 to 28) at the Centenary Centre. See www.centenarycentre.com for details.
TNT Theatre Britain will stage the Picture Of Dorian Gray (February 4 to 6) and The Importance of Being Earnest (April 6 to 10) at the same venue. Again, see the website above for more details.
But this is just a snapshot of what we can expect. There will be plenty more events, including, no doubt, a world class line up at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin and some fantastic exhibitions at the Sayle Gallery, Douglas, making 2010 a great year for lovers of art and entertainment.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
