Flower Festival volunteers at Ramsey Baptist Church are planning something a little different this year and you can even pick up a penguin when you visit.

The theme of this year’s Isle of Man Flower Festival, which runs from July 2 to 8 is ’Charity Is.....’

At Ramsey Baptist Church, they have decided to interpret that theme as ’Charity Is Love - We’re Better Together’.

Inspired by Emperor penguins, who huddle together to survive and thrive, the church is encouraging its congregation and visitors to love, support and encourage each other.

There will be eight displays featuring hand-made felt penguins and, just to make sure you don’t pass by, there will be a full-size model of an Emperor penguin on the driveway entrance to the church, which is based at the former film studios site in Jurby Road - now known as Mountain View Innovation Centre.

The eight scenes will include the nativity, a Valentine’s Day school disco, penguins on the beach and a tea party.

There will also be interactive displays, including the chance to make a paper flower, plus a penguin treasure hunt, a craft table for children and a prize quiz.

During the week, there will also be floral workshops for all ages and the Cathedral Handbell Ringers will be performing on Tynwald Day between 2pm and 4pm, with tea, juice and cakes available throughout the week.

Opening times at Ramsey Baptist Church will be from 11am until 4pm through the Flower Festival and there will be a special ’Messy Church’ on Sunday, July 2 to launch the week and a Conservation Sunday celebration, ’Only One Earth’, to conclude on July 9, both at 11am.

The Isle of Man Flower Festival is taking place in its regular slot of National Week, from July 2 to 8.

The participating venues are St German’s Cathedral in Peel, St Mary de Ballaugh Old Church, Jurby Church, St Andrew’s Church in Kirk Andreas, Ramsey Baptist Church at Mountain View Innovation Centre, St Olave’s Church in Ramsey, Christ Church in Laxey, Onchan Elim Pentecostal Church, in Second Avenue, St Peter’s Church in Onchan, The Abbey Church in Ballasalla, Old Grammar School in Castletown, Ballabeg Methodist Chapel, and St Peter’s Church in Cregneash.

To keep up to date, visit the festival page on Facebook or go to www.flowerfest.im