Manx National Heritage has announced the programme and participants for its sixth annual ‘Isle of Man Heritage Open Days’ which takes place over two weekends - 2nd to the 4th and 9th to the 11th October 2015.

The Island-wide programme offers residents and visitors the chance to explore a number of the Island’s heritage landmarks, treasures and archives for free although donations are welcome and go towards their care and upkeep.

Manx National Heritage works alongside organisations, individuals and volunteers to co-ordinate an extensive and varied calendar of events and activities, many of which are not normally open to the public. This year’s programme offers over 80 listings including walks, talks, guides and museum collections, which are being offered by thirty participating groups and organisations.

One of the highlights of the 2015 programme is a guided tour of the Gaiety Theatre which will take in the beauty of the front of house, the ornate auditorium, back stage area and, under the stage, into the amazing ‘trap house’, one of the Gaiety’s best kept secrets, which displays the famous Corsican Trip, the only one of its kind in the world.

Another highlight is a special behind the scenes visit to the new conservation facility at Cooil Smithy where the world’s oldest yacht, ‘Peggy’ is currently housed. MNH conservator, Chris Weeks, who oversaw the project to remove Peggy from her dockyard home in Castletown for the first time in over 200 years, will be on hand to talk about the future plans for her conservation and eventual return to Castletown.

A couple of popular regulars in the programme are a tour of the Manx National Heritage ‘Large Object’ store to view some of the items not currently on public display and the Isle of Man Railways guided walk which this year is from St Johns to Kirk Michael exploring the lost railway lines.

A new and expected to be popular addition for 2015 is a guided tour of the World War II radar bunkers at Bride with Culture Vannin’s Charles Guard.

The programme co-ordinators Suzie Walker and Katie King, are encouraging people to book their places early to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made either by emailing heritageopendays@gov.im or calling 01624 648065.

Comprehensive leaflets detailing the full programme of events can be picked up from all Manx National Heritage venues and the Welcome Centre, and a downloadable PDF and all event listings are available at www.manxnationalheritage.im.  

Katie King said:

“Heritage Open Days is now an established part of the Island’s annual calendar and this year’s programme has great depth and variety. This year has been designated as the European Industrial and Technical Heritage Year so you may notice some of the events have been specially tailored to pick up this theme and highlight this important area of our heritage on the Isle of Man.”

She continued:

“We are very grateful to all of the organisations, individuals and volunteers who are contributing their time, collections, experience and venues. I would encourage people to take this special opportunity to enjoy experiences that aren’t always available or accessible for the rest of the year.”