Rushen Heritage Trust is opening 10 ‘top secret’ gardens during its Port Erin in World War II event, which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend.

Running from Friday, August 27 until Monday, August 30, the weekend will see war-themed attractions each day, including three exhibitions:

l The railway station will host an exhibition on the unique Internment Camp in Port Erin recalling the time 4,000 foreign women arrived in 1940.

l The Trust’s new Rushen Heritage Centre in Bridson Street will host a World War II exhibition by the Manx Aviation and Military Museum.

l The Legion Hall in Droghadfayle Road will be home to James Fenton’s pictures of the Burma Campaign.

The gardens will be open on Saturday and Sunday.

Rushen Heritage Trust fundraiser Pamela Crowe has pulled the weekend together. She said: ‘We thought it was a shame that the popular Island at War event is not taking place this year, so Rushen Heritage Trust stepped in and there is now a full programme over the four days.

‘We are working closely with Visit Port Erin and it will be a great opportunity to learn about the unique history of the village and, for those who love a skeet, some lovely gardens to visit.’

Pam added: ‘The weekend will see various attractions over the four days, including vintage bikes, classic cars, performances by The Southern Belles singers, swing dancers, we will even have “Laurel and Hardy” appearing around the village.

‘From August 28 to 30, there will be an internment camp rummage sale in St Catherine’s Church Hall from 10am to 4pm each day.’

Entry to the gardens is by brochure, which costs £5 and admits two people.

The brochures are available from: Welcome Centre in Douglas; Bridge Bookshop and Marianne’s Flowers in Ramsey; Kirk Michael Stores; Elaine’s Flowers in Peel; Foxdale Stores; Charlotte Sadler Opticians in Castletown; Calvert Newsagent in Port St Mary; Bridge Bookshop, Port Erin Pets, Erin News and Rushen Heritage Centre in Port Erin; All garden centres around the island.

If you can help over the four-day weekend, please contact Pamela via email – [email protected] or on 834614 or 473768.