Manx crafts fairs for Douglas town centre

Two fairs promoting Manx crafts are to be held in Douglas town centre.

The fairs will take place in Regent Street on Saturday October 20 and Saturday November 17 between 10am and 5.30pm and are the idea of Christine Howson of Stardust in the Strand shopping centre who said: ‘On several weekends this year there have been outdoor events that have created a buzz in the town and attracted a good number of people, so we’re keen to trial these two dates and give Manx crafters an opportunity to display their work to what we hope will be an Island-wide audience of appreciative shoppers.’

The fairs are being supported by Douglas Development Partnership. Town centre manager Gill Anderson said: ‘When Christine approached us about the fair we were pleased to lend our support. This clearly builds on the success of previous outdoor retailing events in Douglas and shows how local people are coming together to use the town centre as their space for showcasing what they do.

Partnership responds to bus station proposal

Douglas Development Partnership’s board has come out firmly opposed to proposals in a government consultation to locate the main Douglas bus facility in Victoria Street. It does, however, applaud the government for initiating a much-needed and long overdue debate about public transport provision in the town.

Development manager Chris Pycroft (pictured) said: ‘Although the board agreed unanimously that to site a bus interchange facility in Victoria Street would severely damage the town centre commercially and aesthetically, it was at one with the government’s view that there is an urgent need for a new bus station in Douglas.

‘As town centre regeneration gathers pace and becomes a reality, improving the street scene, and as events such as the hugely successful Festival of Youth and food and craft fair demonstrate, the potential to create a more vibrant, welcoming and inclusive Douglas becomes all the more apparent. But it’s not just about bringing fun back into the town centre, it’s about projecting a positive image to attract more investment and business to Douglas and the Isle of Man.

Corporate membership for Celton Manx

Celton Manx has become a corporate member of Douglas Development Partnership.

On joining, Bill Mummery, the company’s executive director, said: ‘Celton Manx shares Douglas Development Partnership’s wish to see Douglas become a more vibrant town centre with a flourishing retail sector and the power to attract new businesses and greater numbers of visitors. Celton Manx is committed to supporting the local community through its extensive sponsorship programme which we believe complements the Partnership’s excellent work. We applaud the great strides Chris Pycroft and Gill Anderson are making to help improve the town’s image and we are therefore pleased to have become a corporate member of what is clearly a forward-looking organisation.’

A spectre calls:  Street performers and traders wanted for ‘frightfully’ special event

A call has gone out to street performers and traders to take part in a Douglas town centre ‘fright fest’ on Saturday October 27 being organised by Douglas Development Partnership.

Although details of the Hop tu Naa-themed event that will start in the afternoon and run through to the evening are still being finalised, creating a party atmosphere will be crucial said Douglas town centre manager Gill Anderson. ‘As with previous town centre events we want the whole area, including the North Quay, to come alive with street theatre, a whole host of attractions and merchandising opportunities appealing to all ages.