A series of free events celebrating Manx culture is to take place over two weekends next month.

Community groups, heritage organisations, government departments and individuals will open their doors for ’heritage open days’ and take people behind the scenes of their unique places and spaces.

With October designated as ’heritage month’ in the goverment’s Year of Our Island celebrations, Manx National Heritage has packed the programme with a range of new sites opening their doors, along with the return of favourites from previous years.

This year’s highlights include a behind-the-scenes tour of Manx National Heritage’s natural history stores with its natural history curator, Laura McCoy, a tour of the former internment camp in Onchan and a ’Celebration of Archibald Knox’ with Braddan Commissioners.

Katie King, community outreach officer for Manx National Heritage, said: ’Manx National Heritage is delighted to continue the opportunity to work alongside the wonderful individuals and volunteers who make heritage open days possible each year.

’We are privileged to have such knowledgeable and passionate guides and volunteers who give up their time for free to inspire, educate and highlight the diverse heritage of the Isle of Man. Thank you to everyone involved.’

The programme booklet is available from all Manx National Heritage sites and can also be picked up from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

Bookable events are available through Eventbrite via a link will be provided on Manx National Heritage’s website, www.manxnationalheritage.im .

The events take place from October 5 to 7 and October 12 to 14