The Manx hills will be alive with the sound of music when the Snaefell Mountain Railway commemorates its 120th anniversary at the summit on Thursday 20 August 2015.
Special trams and activities throughout the day will build up to the evening’s highlight – the first airing of a specially commissioned 40-minute chamber ensemble work to be performed in the Summit Restaurant and played over loudspeakers from Snaefell Mountain to the hills beyond.
The festivities commence just after lunch with a celebration tram tour including onboard commentary departing Laxey at 13:20. Tram historian and author Andrew Scarffe has co-ordinated a transport enthusiast’s dream programme where passengers can enjoy photo stop opportunities on the way up the mountain including a tour of the Snaefell car shed. A parallel run of trams leaving the summit at 17:00 is also planned.
Additionally during the afternoon, railway pioneer Alexander Bruce will welcome passengers to the Summit Cafe and John Dog Callister will provide guided walks to enable all ages to discover the flora and fauna at Snaefell summit.
Art work inspired by the anniversary by local sculptor Anna Smart and artist Michael Starkey will be on display at the summit to add to the commemoration along with a photographic exhibition.
All aspects will be featured by Manx Radio’s Alex Brindley who will broadcast his afternoon show from the summit from 3pm. Judith Ley and Marc Tyley will broadcast from the evening celebrations, which will include a re-enactment of the official opening and the first performance of ‘7 Kingdoms’, a chamber ensemble work by Ramsey based composer Tim Price.
All anniversary events are open to all but advance booking is recommended for the celebration tour tram departing Laxey at 13:30 plus the trams to the evening celebrations departing Derby Castle at 18:40 and Laxey at 19:15 and 19:25. Call 01624 697457 to reserve your seat.
Standard tram fares apply during the anniversary with Go Explore and annual cards accepted. Additional trams will operate throughout the Thursday afternoon.
Additionally on Friday 21 August 2015, exactly 120 years since the first public trams wended their way to the summit, there will be a Snaefell Sunset Dinner hosted in the restaurant with the commemorative artworks and Victorian photographic displays still on display. Bookings should be made in advance for the Sunset Dinner by phoning 01624 673631.
Photo - Anna Smart.
