Artisan markets head 2013 town centre events programme

A series of artisan markets showcasing Manx crafts and produce will signal the start of a programme of events in the town centre co-ordinated by Douglas Development Partnership.

The markets will take place in Douglas market hall on February 23-24 and March 2-3 and 9-10.

Organised by Event Management Solutions in association with the Partnership and Douglas Borough Council, the markets build on the success of last year’s European continental food and crafts fair. Development manager Chris Pycroft said: ‘Last year’s fairs attracted a good deal of public support and, in the main, twere well received by local businesses as they generated increased footfall in the town centre.

Manx Radio becomes DDP corporate member

Manx Radio is the latest local business to become a corporate member of Douglas Development Partnership.

The broadcaster swells the partnership’s corporate membership to 20.

Welcoming Manx Radio development manager Chris Pycroft said: ‘Manx Radio has been an ardent supporter of the partnership’s work, in particular in devoting airtime to promoting our town centre events. We are encouraged that yet another Manx business shares our vision to revitalise the heart of Douglas and we look forward to developing close links in the future. We are also heartened that more and more businesses are coming to realise the benefits of corporate membership and are keen to work with the partnership to improve the image of Douglas and restore a community focus to the town centre.’

Manx Radio’s business director John Marson (pictured above right) said: ‘Manx Radio is proud to be associated at the corporate level with Douglas Development Partnership and all of the initiatives they have brought to the town since their inception.  2012 was an exceptional year for the partnership and Manx Radio enjoyed being part of some of the innovative events put on in Douglas.  We look forward to growing the success of these and other events in the future.’

To find out more about corporate membership contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call into the partnership’s office at Chesterfield House, Victoria Street, Douglas. You can also follow the partnership on its Facebook page, Douglas Town Centre Management.

‘Spoo-quay’ success for Fright Fest

A spectre called, a dinosaur stalked the highway and Jinny the Witch was put on trial: all part of what’s been hailed as a spectacular success – the Douglas Fright Fest.

Organised by Douglas Development Partnership and sponsored by Celton Manx the Hop tu Naa-themed event took place during the afternoon and evening of Saturday October 27th and attracted large crowds – many in suitably frightening fancy dress – to the town centre and North Quay to witness a spectral spectacular.

Development manager Chris Pycroft said: ‘You really had to be there as there were some moments bordering on the truly surreal. At one point there was a 9ft-tall Grim Reaper dancing to “Ghost Busters” played on an accordion by a suit-wearing horse. And, along with an outbreak of zombies and witches throughout the town, there was a touch of the “Sid Vicious” about the dinosaur as it stalked the Strand Centre knocking children – but not the Star Wars characters - over with his tail, and also close encounters with a strange large red ball floating over shoppers’ heads and pursued by equally strange Men in Red.

Regent Street to take centre stage

Regent Street, Douglas will be taking centre stage on Saturday December 8^th when it’s set to echo to the sounds of Christmas.

A community stage is being set up there and local community groups, schools, youth organisations and brass bands are being invited to perform traditional Christmas music and carols.

Douglas town centre manager Gill Anderson said: ‘The stage was a big hit at this summer’s Festival of Youth and it’s making a welcome return on Saturday December 8^th, although on this occasion we’re looking for the traditional sounds of Christmas in music and song to create a suitably festive atmosphere for shoppers. This is a one-day only event from around 10am to 5pm so people need to get in touch as soon as possible to book their free slot. The stage will be right in the heart of town so is quite literally the ideal platform from which to perform.’