Throughout 2018, Year of Our Island succeeded in celebrating everything that makes the Isle of Man a special place to live and work.
From themed months to partner events and projects, the team worked with individuals and community groups to share what makes our island great, at the same time as encouraging as many people as possible to try something new.
To bring celebrations to a close we’ll be hosting a series of events to create a Festival of Light, which will run between Friday and Sunday March 8 to 17, inspired by the 200th anniversary of the first lighting of the Point of Ayre and Calf of Man lighthouses.
The first event will take place on Friday, March 8, at the Sound café, where Manx historian Charles Guard will reveal the extraordinary story of the construction of the island’s first permanent lighthouses.
Tickets for this event are sold out, but there are still plenty of other opportunities to get involved in our celebration.
Castletown will be the focus of festivities on Saturday March, 9.
Come along during the day to take part in workshops to create light art or, from 5pm, head to the town square to see a fantastic series of installations illuminating Castle Rushen, shops and, for one night only, a special version of Balley Cashtal Beg’s brilliant fairy door trail.
We’ll also be joined by Spinnin’ Vannin, the Castletown Town Band, as well as local artisans, food stalls and producers.
Our partners at Manx National Heritage have opened the Castle especially for our closing ceremony, where visitors can view a fantastic light display in the Barbican or take part in their new Dragon Egg hunt.
The festival will move to the Mooragh Park in Ramsey for the final two days of events on the weekend of March 16 to 17, featuring a light display on the lake, glow golf and a brilliant illuminated trail.
Visitors will also be able to experience a spectacular multi-sensory art installation, made up of more than 300 illuminated chime bars.
’Illumaphonium’ is a touch-activated musical sculpture from artist, inventor and musician Michael Davis, and audience participation a must.
Attendees will have two opportunities to visit the fantastic free display, which has been supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
You’ll be able to experience mystical melody’s of Illumaphonium from 5pm to 8 pm on Saturday March, 16 and 1pm to 8pm on Sunday March 17.
For more information about what we have planned for the festival of light, visit ourisland.im, email [email protected] or call 687007.
by the Year of Our Island project team
www.ourisland.im