The inaugural RNLI All-Island Beach Tug of War is to take place this Sunday (August 8).

The event marks the revival of a sporting event last held in 1985, with the island’s RNLI groups coming together to host the event and attempt to win the All-Island Beach Tug of War Trophy.

The hand carved trophy was created by past Port St Mary crew member Terry Kelly in the early 1980s, and its re-discovery ignited the idea to arrange this weekend’s event.

The competition originally ran for three consecutive years and was won each time by the Southern Nomads Rugby Club who have remained unchallenged until this year.

The Southern Nomads will be back this year to try and defend their title, alongside four of the islands five RNLI lifeboat stations, in addition to 10 other entrants representing a range of corporate and sporting entities.

The event was originally scheduled to take place in May this year, but poor weather left the organisers with no alternative but to postpone, as the event is dependent on the tides.

The event will see numerous stalls and food outlets, as well as face painting and games for the children.

The stalls will open at 2pm on Port St Mary’s lower promenade, with the main event starting at the later time of 3pm on Chapel Beach.

The final is expected to take place around 6pm, followed by a presentation of the trophy by Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney.