The island’s only 360-degree cinema is putting its focus on educational opportunities.

Almost a year in and after a soft launch, founder of The Dome Adrian Bell wants to make people aware of its potential for use as a learning tool.

A number of schools and other youth organisations have already taken advantage and booked visits.

Last week, Manx-born Adrian invited special guests to a Hop tu Naa themed celebration and also showcased what The Dome can do.

From seats that are comfortable enough to fall asleep in, if it was not for the spectacular views provided by the domed screen above, visitors were shown excepts from a number of different films made in the island - giving a unique view of everything from animals at the Wildlife Park at feeding time, to what it is like to ride in the TT.

educational

’Everybody loves the seats!’ said Adrian.

’But this is to show the educational side and what The Dome can be used for.’

The Dome, which based next to the chapel in the grounds of the Nunnery, on the outskirts of Douglas, uses ’planetarium technology’.

It is also has great potential for use with pupils who have additional needs, include sensory requirements.

Beyond the educational side, it has started to prove popular with other groups, both social and corporate.

’It is something different, extra, for the Isle of Man,’ said Adrian, who made his name as a top animator.

’It is a new way of story telling.’

Adrian was once lead animator at the Cosgrove Hall animation studios in Manchester, that among other hits produced the original Danger Mouse.

Adrian remains tactfully silent on what he thinks of the new incarnation.

Adrian said he first got the idea for The Dome when he was diving in the Bahamas, with a GoPro, surrounded by sharks, about two years ago and tried out a 3D camera.

The actual dome is seven metres in diameter and seats up to 35 people at the time.

It can become a fully immersive experience - for one viewing of a seaside scene, seaweed was placed in boxes just outside to provide an authentic smell.

As well as immersive cinema, it can be used as a tourism destination - another way to see the island - product launches and gaming events.

The content of showings can be tailored to a particular group booking and prices vary according to the number of visitors and what is required.

Adrian studied fine art at Manchester University in the 1980s and went straight into a job at Cosgrove.

In 1991, he returned to the Isle of Man and set up his own design agency.

A side room just off from The Dome itself is packed with memorabilia from his animation career, and all kinds of collectibles.

It gives a flavour of what Adrian has achieved in the past, but with The Dome he is looking firmly to the future.

To find out more about The Dome, visit www.thedome.im