Rodeo bulls, wheelbarrows, Oompah bands and smashed eggs will be on the menu, together with more traditional sporting activities, when the ‘fun’ Isle of Man Hockey Festival takes place from May 27th to 30th. This year the event will be based in Douglas with two grass pitches in use at Cronkbourne Sports and Social Club and two more next door at Gymns’ Football Club. Cronkbourne’s clubhouse will be the centre of activities. A fifth pitch –the astro variety – is based at the National Sports Centre, a short distance away. A policy decision was taken a few years ago to hold the Festival in early May and thus avoid a clash with the TT, but with Easter being late in 2011 it was agreed that, for one year only, it would revert to later in the month. The Zulus from Warwickshire, who have supported the Festival since its inception, are returning again with a mixed team while other long-time participants, Chequers from Sheffield, are also back. Other teams come from areas including Oldham, Keswick, Upminster, Kendal, Chorley and Runcorn. Festival Organiser, Den Goodburn, is looking forward to working with Cronkbourne and is confident this move is a positive one for the Festival. She further emphasised the hockey side of the weekend was purely non-competitive but they tried to accommodate the wishes of organisers. Den said: ‘Teams are asked how many matches they want to play and local clubs are standing by to fill the gaps as required. ‘Some sides only want a few matches and to enjoy the social aspect of the weekend while others stipulate as many games as possible to the extent that they want every available slot filled. This means some play as many as seven, eight or nine fixtures but once we know everyone’s wishes we act accordingly and Manx teams are happy to fit in where required to fill any gaps. Over the course of the Festival we will arrange something close to a hundred matches which can present quite a logistical task.’ As befits a fun tournament the Festival majors on the social aspect. A welcome evening at Amber, once again sponsored by the Sleepwell Group, begins the entertainment on the Friday and this is followed by an Oompah Night at Conrhenny Equestrian Centre, in conjunction with the Island’s Young Farmers organisation, on Saturday. A team fancy dress competition at the Palace Hilton brings the curtain down on Sunday. The organisers are looking to try to avoid arranging lunchtime fixtures on the Saturday and Sunday so competitors can take part in a further series of unusual activities. These include riding a rodeo bull, a wheelbarrow and a smashed egg relay together with what is being billed as the ‘Incapacitated Olympics.’ All will be based at Cronkbourne and the Committee is expecting all teams to enter and nominate participants (victims). Den went on to say: ‘I always say I would not ask the players to do anything I wouldn’t do. A few years ago we had an X Factor talent contest so I had to be the first one up. This time I, and/or a fellow committee member, will have to be the first to see how long we can stay on the rodeo bull! It’s all a bit of fun and I don’t think there will be any shortage of volunteers to have a go.’ The teams are once again staying in a number of hotels along Douglas Promenade while one – Kendal Men’s HC – are going outdoors to a TT campsite at Braddan Football Club, which is being opened, earlier than normal, especially for them. The organisers say that if they enjoy the outdoor life it could be another option to offer competing teams in the future. Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, Political Member for Isle of Man Tourism, said this was the 58th Festival and Isle of Man Tourism was pleased to retain its connection with, and support for, the event. He added: ‘The organisers have surely, and importantly, found the right mix between the competitive and social side, which is illustrated by so many teams returning year after year to enjoy the camaraderie competition and friendship. There is every reason to believe that the Festival will continue for another 58 years.’ ENDS