There are plans to hold an outdoor exhibition in Port Erin based on a concept borrowed from the other side of the world.

Driving the idea is resident Lorna MacKellar, who saw the exhibition - called Sculpture by the Sea - in Sydney, Australia in 2014, when sculptures were placed on a coastal path between Bondi and Tamarama beaches.

In the island the trail will follow Port Erin’s coastal path from the upper promenade, above Spaldrick, through Bradda Glen to the cafe.

The 2km Australian version was first held in 1997 when there was just $100 in the bank and it was run by a team of volunteers.

Now held annually, it features more than 100 sculptures by artists from several countries and is the largest free public sculpture exhibition in the world, attracting 500,000 visitors.

Lorna said: ’Exhibits could be anything, not just conventional sculpture. It could be ceramics for example. I’m trying to suss out the industry. Even if it’s bad weather people can still walk the trail.

’It would finish at the cafe í* Bradda, where people can vote for their favourite piece and sponsored prizes can be awarded. We could have family sculpture on the beach at Spaldrick.

’This is one thing that could take off. Next year we could invite artists to take part from elsewhere, say from Ireland. It is comparatively low cost. I would be interested to hear from artists.’

The local authority is fully supportive of the idea and has agreed to provide man power, as Lorna requested.

She has also asked the authority to consider sponsoring an iconic piece. She said: ’For example a large installation on the headland at Traie Meanagh opposite the house called Brambles, overlooking the path. 

’Such a piece could become a permanent attraction - perhaps along the lines of the huge Manannan that has been installed around the island.’

There will be some costs involved - mainly in installing pieces - and Lorna is investigating how to access grants.

The original idea was to hold the first event in 2018, but such is the interest from those she has discussed the idea with, Lorna, a former commissioner in the village, is aiming to stage the inaugural exhibition in late September/October this year, if possible to coincide with the UK autumn half term holiday.

The weather may throw up a few challenges not experienced by organisers of the Sydney event, but as Lorna said: ’It can be wet and windy in August and good in October, there are no guarantees.’

To contact Lorna, email [email protected]