A packed programme of special events for Isle of Man residents and our visitors from Guernsey has been announced for the end of August.

The Supermanx Bank Holiday will take place Friday, August 28, to Monday, August 31, and encompasses the whole Island with community events in Douglas, Ramsey, Laxey, Peel, Castletown and Port Erin.

In addition to the local authority led events there is a Supermanx Key Worker Thank You Parade which leaves the TT Grandstand at 3pm, Saturday, August 29.

The TT Course parade, supported by more than 400 motorcyclists, will be headed by vehicles representing emergency services, key workers, the health service, vital-service companies and voluntary organisations.

While the head of the parade can’t include everyone, it is symbolic of everyone that played a part during Covid.

Event organiser Kevin Dodd says he would love the island’s residents to line the TT course to cheer this cavalcade through the towns and villages and show their support and appreciation.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: ’Good luck to all the event organisers and local authorities who have contributed to making the Supermanx Bank Holiday happen.

’The schedule has something for everyone, ranging from family fun days, a TT course parade, Manx food and produce, local bands to mass participation sport.’

A "National Service of Reflection" will be held at 11am Friday, August 28, at St George’s Church, Douglas. Everyone is welcome, especially health workers and key workers. The service will be led by Archdeacon Andrew Brown and the Lord Bishop will deliver the sermon.

The service provides an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped the island through. Covid and to think of those who lost their lives to this dreadful disease and their family and friends.

The weekend begins on Thursday, August 27, with DC/AC playing at the Villa Marina followed on the Friday with a ’Bonanza’ at Laxey Beach and raising a glass to the health services and key workers at 7pm.

Saturday is headlined by Pigs on the Wing at the Villa Marina. During the day there is a town fair in the Villiers Square, Douglas, and a Gran Fondo in Mooragh Park, Ramsey.

In the south of the island, the Port Erin Festival of the Sea is being held on the beach and Castletown’s Music Festival is being held in the town’s square.

On Sunday, August 30, the Great Laxey Brass Band Festival will bring music to the village from 1pm, the Southern Vintage Rally is being held at 9.30am to 5pm at Belle Abbey Farm, Colby, there is a Little People’s Picnic at Rushen Abbey from 11am to 3pm.

The weekend caps off on Monday, August 31, with a motorcycle show on Peel Promenade at 11am and a family fun day at Mooragh Park from 12pm to 5pm.