One of the most popular and spectacular events in the Manx calendar, the Oie Voaldyn festival, is the latest to fall victim to the pandemic.

The day-long event was set to take place on Peel Promenade on Saturday, May 1. However, due to the situation and the current lockdown, the organisers were left with insufficient time to rehearse and prepare.

The event, which features a spectacular fire show held on Peel beach, along with a parade of Manx folklore characters, usually attracts thousands of people.

A statement released by the organisers read: ’After discussing the current Covid situation with suppliers, organisers and our various teams we feel that we cannot put on our May festival with any certainty as we are not out of the woods just yet.

’Our anticipated audience this year was going to be more than the 6,000 mark and the last thing we want to do is become a super spreader event.

’There has also been no time or opportunity to organise rehearsals for our fire teams, the core performers or the choir and when we do this amazing event again we want to do it right.

’We would like to thank Peel Town Commissioners, Culture Vannin, Visit Isle of Man and the Isle of Man Arts Council for their support and of course everyone else that has been working behind the scenes to try and get the show on the road. Here’s to Oie Voaldyn 2022 and may the sun shine on May Day.’