Over 14,000 Manx National Heritage ACE (Arts, Culture and Education) cards have been distributed to the Isle of Man’s primary and secondary school children in a scheme generously supported by Lloyds Bank. 

In a programme endorsed by the Isle of Man Department of Education and Children, ACE cards provide free entry to all Manx National Heritage (MNH) attractions in school or leisure time for school children and students, aged 18 and under in full time education.  The cards are also available to The Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education and home-schooled students.

Under 12s need to be accompanied by an adult for their visit but students aged 12 and over can visit on their own or with friends their own age.  Students and over 18’s in full time education can receive discounts with their valid student card and with FREE entry also available for children under 5, a family day out is great value for all visitors particularly when combined with the resident Season Passes for adult family members.

The two card designs feature the Isle of Man’s well-known historic characters created by renowned Manx artist Juan Moore; the primary school card’s image is of a typical Viking while the secondary school children’s card carries an illustration of a Celtic warrior.

Most of the cards were distributed in time for school children and families to visit the sites over the Easter period, with all Manx National Heritage sites now operating to their spring timetable, early indications are that over 1000 visits have been made using the ACE card already. 

Gaynor Haxby, Head of Public Services, Manx National Heritage, commented:  

“We have deliberately created more interactive displays and content that engages children at our sites and many of the exhibits and displays are geared not only to telling the Island’s history but also how it is linked and relates to a wider world context. I hope that the ACE card encourages many resident families to visit our sites and explore the Island’s history and we are very grateful to Lloyds bank for their support in encouraging children to visit.”

Lucy Felton, Business Development Manager, Lloyds Bank commented: 

“The ACE card scheme provides a real, tangible benefit to the Island’s school children and students in giving free admission to all of the great heritage sites that the Island has to offer. At Lloyds Bank we recognize the importance of working closely with the local community and this project not only encourages this generation of children to understand and experience the island’s history but also is part of the on-going programme to protect and conserve it for future generations to enjoy.”

Photo - pictured ay the Manx Museum in Douglas at the launch of the 2015 ACE Card supported by Lloyds Bank are Lucy Felton, Business Development Manager, Lloyds Bank and Jade Foster, Marketing Executive, Manx National Heritage.