An exciting and innovative fusion of art, fashion and theatre will come alive in the Manx Wearable Art Live Catwalk Show 2017.

It sees budding designers from across the island create a variety of inspiring outfits and accessories which will then be modelled on the catwalk.

The event takes place every two years, and this year’s show is set to take to the stage of the Youth Arts Centre, in Kensington Road, Douglas, on Friday, March 31.

In addition, selected items from the catwalk will be chosen to form part of a static display during the Isle of Man Art Festival, taking place from April 29 to May 1.

One of the event organisers, Doreen Dixon, urged budding designers - along with those who have taken part in previous years - to get involved.

’Whether you have a flair for fashion or a passion for the arts we would like to hear from you,’ she said. ’We have seen some fantastic outfits made from all sorts of materials over the years and we are hoping that this year we can attract the best yet!’

Wearable art was started in New Zealand in 1987 and the Manx version has been held every other year since the inaugural event in 2005.

Local businesses, charities, college students, independent groups and individuals have all contributed outfits in the past, using fibre, fabric, paper, wood, metal, rubber, plastic, flotsam and all kinds of recycled goods.

It only needs to be strong enough to survive the catwalk and striking enough to enhance the show.

At least 40 outfits will be paraded in front of an audience of approximately 150, a full capacity audience, at the Youth Arts Centre,

Sue Robinson, another of the event organisers, explained: ’People invest a large amount of time, effort and talent into their designs and we are pleased that we can display them live on the catwalk.

’We are also pleased to support the Youth Arts Centre which offers such great facilities for creative minds.’

Head of youth arts Fiona Helleur said: ’The secret of the success of the Youth Arts Centre is its diversity in all it does.

’YAC staff search for the different, unique and the interesting to keep its 500-plus members happy during the 32 different sessions it offers weekly in performing and visual arts, from costume to experimental art, Shakespeare to musical theatre and all stops in between.’

Tickets for the live catwalk show will be on sale at £6 from the Youth Arts Centre. To book call 437339. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

For more information about the Manx Wearable Art Live Catwalk Show visit the event page on Facebook or contact Sue, Doreen or Myra on 842592/842433.