Organisers of May’s Isle of Man Walking Festival have issued an appeal for more walk leaders and assistant leaders. It follows news that record numbers of participants have already booked for the event with two months still to go. So far there are over 200 visiting walkers and Co-ordinator Mick Salmon believes that with the Festival increasing in popularity it is necessary to appeal for another 20 leaders or assistants. Mick explained: ‘We have a list of about 50 people but ideally could do with quite a few more. ‘They wouldn’t need to be committed to every day of the Festival – once or twice in the week would be sufficient. They are not expected to be experts on any particular trail as training will be given and they can be shown round the walk to acquaint them with any outstanding features so they can explain about them to the people in their charge. ‘We are looking for anyone with a love, and knowledge, of the Island in general. The leaders and assistants are asked many questions about the Isle of Man itself so we need people who are reasonably knowledgeable about our heritage and traditions. We are not looking for historians or specialist walkers – just local residents who have pride in their Island.’ Anyone interested in joining the ranks of the official leaders, or assistant leaders, is invited to ring Mick on 331369 - or contact him via e-mail at office@manxwalks.com - to obtain further details or discuss their possible commitment. This year’s festival is from May 15th to 20th with various new walks having been added, including the 15 mile long Herring Way, together with the Millenium Way which involves a distance of 24 miles spread over two days. Another long-distance trek always on the menu and always popular is the Coastal Path where the participants cover 18-20 miles a day over five days. A new walk, at the other end of the scale, is a gentle stroll based around Dhoon Glen in the north of the Island. The Festival is now in its seventh year and for the previous six the favourite walk was usually that around Port Erin and Port St Mary but this now has a rival. The Laxey-Snaefell-North Barrule one, which begins with a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway, was introduced for the first time in 2010 and, because of its success, is now offered on two separate days. Minister for the Department of Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, said: ‘The Isle of Man is an ideal location for this event and it’s a great way for visitors to explore the natural beauty and diversity of our countryside. The Walking Festival also has the spin-off of attracting ramblers and walkers throughout the year. I would like to thank our existing walk leaders for their tremendous support of the event.’ The social programme has been re-vamped but still includes entertainment every evening. This year’s schedule incorporates Manx Country Dancing, a local choir, Dixieland jazz, an oompah band and free prize bingo – not to mention dancing to 60s music, and a stand-up comedian. It is the first time there has been a comic spot and the role has been entrusted to well known Liverpudlian Bill Woolard. A conducted tour of Tynwald, the world’s longest continuous parliament, is in the hands of Rushen MHK Quintin Gill. So why has the 2011 Walking Festival surpassed all others? Said Mick Salmon: ‘It is a case of success breeding success. Our guests go home and tell their friends and walk club colleagues what a great festival it is. We estimate that around seventy per cent of our new bookings come via word of mouth and the more people who come, and enjoy their time here, the more the word is spread around the UK and even further afield. ‘In addition, we monitor where the walkers come from and target the publicity accordingly. We now feel we are advertising in the right magazines and publications and this is another factor in the success story of the Isle of Man Walking Festival.’ ENDS