The Isle of Man Flower Festival will be in full bloom again during the island’s national week.

It has become a firm favourite in the Manx calendar, according to Culture Vannin vice-chairman Geoff Corkish, who was guest speaker at the event’s official launch.

The festival will be held from July 2 to July 8. This year there are 13 venues taking part in the festival, staging a wide variety of flower displays on the theme of Charity Isâ?¦

A number of events will be staged at various venues to tie-in with the festival, including the return of the photographic competition.

The official festival programme will be available shortly and the website flowerfest.im carries all the latest news.

Mr Corkish praised the volunteers who help make the festival a success.

The event is supported by Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Community Foundation.

Participating venues are Peel Cathedral, Ballaugh Old Church, Jurby Church, St Andrew’s Church, Kirk Andreas, Ramsey Baptist Church, St Olave’s Ramsey, Christ Church, Laxey, Onchan Elim Church, St Peter’s Onchan; Abbey Church Ballasalla, Castletown Old Grammar School, Ballabeg Methodist Chapel and St Peter’s Church, Cregneash.