Set against the stunning backdrop of Peel castle, picked out by the flickering light of the Beltaine bonfires, the Queens of Summer and Winter clashed in an epic, fiery battle, witnessed by hundreds of onlookers.

Thankfully, after a few nervous moments, the Summer Queen’s champion, in true Game of Thrones-style, rose from the dead and, with a flaming sword in hand, saved the queen from a ghastly fate at the hands of the fearsome Winter warrior, and ensured a prosperous and warm summer for all.

The spectacular action took place as part of the second Oie Voaldyn festival, a celebration of Manx and Celtic May Day traditions, and featured a cast of more than 78 local actors and volunteers who played out their roles in front of record crowds and two huge bonfires.

The organisers of the event built on last year’s successful, inaugural event and made this year’s beach show bigger and more thrilling, introducing such new characters as the Boneman and the Manx folkloric character, the Phynoderee.

John Shakespeare, who created the event, said that, despite the cooler weather, the number of spectators had increased from last year, and that people were very keen to get involved and take part.

’It was great to see that many more people were keen to take part, and we had loads wanting to join in with the parades,’ said John.

’We invited people to come along and buy a candle, the proceeds of which will be donated to Mannin Cancer.

’Also, we went to a lot of effort with the show on the beach this, and included many more props.

’I think, on balance, the Winter parade outshone the Summer one in terms of costumes.

’But what made it for me this year, especially, was the interest from the public, who all seemed to really enjoy it.

’I met so many people who had come over to the island especially to join in and take part.

’One man I spoke to, who took part in the parades, said he much preferred this event to the Beltaine event in Edinburgh, which is amazing for us to hear.

’We are getting such a good name for this event now, and I can’t wait to see what we can come up with for next year.’

There were other events throughout the day, including a line up of local bands, displays from Skeddan Jiarg and the Bulgarian folk dancers, and craft demonstrations on the beach, courtesy of John ’Dog’ Callister.

Another success was the teepee on the beach, which housed a fire pit for people to sit around and listen to tales being spun by story tellers.

’I want to thank every one who has been involved in any way with this year’s Oie Voaldyn festival,’ said John.

’We will definitely be back bigger and better than ever, on Sunday, May 3, 2020.