The Villa Marina’s Royal Hall was occupied for just over half the year from October 2018 to September 2019.

The figure was revealed by Education, Sport and Culture Minister Graham Cregeen in a written answer to Clare Barber (Douglas East) this week.

The hall was available for 361 days in that period and was used for setting up and running events and shows for 55.67% of the time, which is about 200 days. The Gaiety Theatre stage was occupied for 65.5% of the 363 days it was available for bookings, meaning it was in use on about 237 days.

In his response, Mr Cregeen said: ’The Villa Gaiety is currently experiencing the busiest programme that it has ever had which is of course great news for both the department and our community.

’But it has meant that we have had to review the programme of events to ensure that we have a varied programme that appeals to all the different audiences on the island.

’This has led us to not booking too many of a particular type of act, for example tribute bands, so that we can accommodate some popular acts from top UK agents that are now seeing the Isle of Man as a high calibre venue.’

It was also confirmed that government, amateur drama/musical societies and community based productions and events can still benefit from a one-third reduction in room hire rates.