Churches across the island are about to explode into a mix of colour, aroma and eye-catching design, with the launch of the 2017 Isle of Man Flower Festival.

Running between Sunday July 2 and Saturday, July 8, 13 venues, including 12 of the island’s churches and the Old Grammar school, in Castletown, are taking part in this year’s festival, which is running under the theme ’Charity Is...’, where participating groups have to try to interpret the idea of charity, or examples of charitable work that are carried out through the island, either at home or internationally.

Peel Cathedral is to hold a display that will look at the 17 sustainable goals which aim to end global poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity.

Each goal will be decorated and highlighted by a floral arrangement, alongside information panels.

Elsewhere, The Ramsey Baptist church will illustrate themes of Christian charity by creating a display of 50 hand made emperor penguins.

The display housed at the Old Grammar School will illustrate the work carried out by Manx National Heritage in conserving and protecting Manx heritage and culture.

St Peter’s church, in Onchan, will have a packed schedule of events throughout the week, including performances from Onchan and Ashley Hill School choirs on Tuesday and Friday afternoon, and also guided tours to the historic Molly Carroon’s cottage on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3pm.

Flower festival committee member Judy Matthews said: ’We are very excited about this year’s festival.

’As ever, we look forward to welcoming old friends and meeting some new ones. As well as a wide variety of displays, a number of venues are organising events to tie-in with the festival. It promises to be a great week.’

The Flower Festival is sponsored and supported by the Isle of Man Community Foundation and Culture Vannin.

More details can be found on flowerfest.im, through the festival’s Facebook page, or by contacting the churches directly.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@mwislandlife