Preparations have begun to bring the 2015 Isle of Man Flower Festival to full bloom.

The event has established itself as a firm favourite in the summer calendar, with thousands visiting churches and other participating venues to view the displays. This year, the event runs from July 5-11.

There are 17 venues taking part in 2015, including churches, Manx National Heritage sites and a joint project between Milntown and Bunscoill Rhumsaa.

Last year’s theme was Our Island, Our Culture, to tie in with the Island of Culture celebrations. This year the theme will be Our Community.

A flyer listing the venues will be issued at about Easter time, with festival brochures available after the TT.


As well as the stunning displays at all the venues, there will be a wide range of other activities, including concerts and exhibitions.

Last year, the decision to include a photography competition proved to be popular. This year, the format will be changed to cater solely for digital photography, with more details to be announced nearer the time.

Flower Festival committee chairman Judy Matthews said: ‘We are grateful, once again, for the support of Connect2Charity, and especially to Kurt Roosen.

‘This year, we are also delighted to report that we are being supported by Culture Vannin who have offered us a grant towards the printing costs of the brochure.

‘All the volunteers at all the venues look forward to seeing many familiar faces and some new ones at this year’s festival.’

Chairman of Culture Vannin, Phil Gawne MHK, commented: ‘The Flower Festival is at the heart of our communities and cultural life.

‘It encourages everyone – Manx and visitors alike – to connect with our beautiful churches and chapels, which are brought to life through floral and art displays, concerts and gatherings. The festival often unlocks places of spirituality and tranquillity to new audiences, connecting them to a cornerstone of our culture. Culture Vannin is delighted to be able to support the festival for 2015.’

Connect2Charity chairman Kurt Roosen said: ‘We are delighted to continue our association with the Isle of Man Flower Festival, which has now established itself in the summer calendar.

‘We hope that once more thousands of people will visit the venues to appreciate the hard work and skill of all the volunteers who take part in this event.’

The official list of venues is St Mary de Ballaugh, Ballaugh; St Patrick’s Church, Jurby; St Andrew’s Church, Andreas; Milntown and Bunscoill Rhumsaa; The Grove Museum, Ramsey; Trinity URC, Ramsey; Ramsey Independent Methodist Church; Christ Church Dhoon, Glen Mona; Christ Church, Laxey; Onchan Elim Pentecostal Church; Onchan Methodist Church; St Matthew’s Church, Douglas; The Abbey Church, Ballasalla; The Nautical Museum, Castletown; Port Erin Methodist Church; St Peter’s Church, Cregneash; St German’s Cathedral, Peel.

Opening times may vary, so it is worth checking the website from mid-April onwards for full details.

Keep up to date with events at www.flowerfest.im or, if you need further information at this stage, email flowerfestim@gmail.com.
 
Photo - Peter Tucker of Ramsey’s winning entry from last year’s Isle of Man Flower Festival photographic competition.