A Victorian Extravaganza is to be staged over the first weekend in July to celebrate the official re-opening of the Snaefell Summit Restaurant. The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has invested ?230,000 in a complete refurbishment of the building and is half way through a ?3million track replacement scheme on the five mile long Snaefell Mountain Railway. Despite hold-ups caused by poor weather, improvements started on 29 December and include re-roofing the building, fitting new windows and doors, re-decorating and installing new toilets, washroom and a new commercial kitchen. It has also been fully insulated with the installation of underfloor heating run on an air source heat pump. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, will depart on the 11.15am tram from Laxey Station on Saturday 2 July, accompanied by “Queen Victoria” and her “Private Secretary”, to perform the official re-opening of the Summit Restaurant as part of the Victorian festivities. The Minister commented: ‘The Summit building has been given a new lease of life, bringing it up to modern standards that will ensure its place as a prime tourist attraction for many years to come. It makes a wonderful venue for the special Sunset Dinners and Pie in the Sky evenings staged by the Heritage Railways, as well as providing cafe meals and Sunday lunches. ‘My Department has also invested ?1.5million in track replacement on the Snaefell Mountain Railway demonstrating our commitment to its future. I will be seeking approval at the July sitting of Tynwald for additional funding and hope to secure a further ?1.5million to complete the track renewal next winter.’ Laxey Station will be the focal point of the Victorian Extravaganza with Red Coat soldiers on parade, a Victorian photographer, Punch and Judy shows and balloon modelling (from 1.30pm to 2pm) and displays of vintage vehicles. An additional attraction will be the Travelling Museum of Curiosities and Wonderment. Both Saturday and Sunday (2 and 3 July) will see a Victorian costume competition for adults and children at 3.15pm. Anyone entering into the festivities by dressing appropriately will be given half price travel on the trams. The Extravaganza extends to Ramsey with a vintage double decker bus providing shuttle runs between Ramsey tram station and the Grove, Milntown House and the Transport Museum at Jurby. Onward bus travel is free with a valid tram ticket. For more details go to www.iombusandrail.info ENDS