The grounds of one of the island’s historical sites was transformed into a world full of weird and wonderful fairy tale creatures at the weekend.

Manx National Heritage held its ’Little People’s Picnic’, based around mythical creatures, on Sunday afternoon, in the grounds of Rushen Abbey.

Families and children of all ages took part and came dressed in an array of fairy and creature costumes and also took part in a range of games.

Kids could take part in a throwing game based on the exploits of Finn McCooil, where they used beanbags to recreate the fabled giant’s act of throwing the piece of land that formed the Isle of Man.

There was also mermaid tail racing, with children running in large fish tails, a ’dragon egg’ shy and a frantic game of Buggane bowling.

And there was a craft workshop run by Eve Adams, the artist behind the ’Bally Cashtal Beg’ community art project.

She helped children make their own woodland fairy wings using organic and recycled materials.

Elsewhere, local craftsmen John ’Dog’ Callister and Dessie Robinson helped the children make bumbee cages, and the adults and younger dances from the southern Manx folk dance group Perree Bane, treated the crowd to a series of traditional dances.

Vicky Dale, site manager at Rushen Abbey, said that the event was an enjoyable one.

’We all had a really good time,’ said Vicky.

’It was very busy all day. The weather definitely helped, but it seemed that everyone had a really enjoyable afternoon in the gardens.’