TWO Douglas police officers have travelled to France to attend the world’s largest gathering of Celtic nations.
Sergeant Andy Kneen and police constable Jimmy Cubbon from the Douglas Neighbourhood Policing Team, travelled as part of the official Manx delegation to the 40th Festival Interceltique de Lorient, in Brittany.
They joined the Isle of Man’s cultural ambassadors for the festival, Aalish Maddrell and Laurence Skelly, between August 6 and August 9.
Minister for Home Affairs, Adrian Earnshaw MHK said: "The two officers have an interest in Manx culture and volunteered for this duty, which was requested by the Manx delegation organisers.
"They were great ambassadors for the Island and it seems they have established links with police in the area. It may well be something to build on in future years, in the same way German police officers have assisted at the TT."
PC Cubbon proudly carried the Manx flag at the opening Parade of Nations procession, which was attended by a crowd of more than 100,000 and broadcast on the French national television channel, Channel 3.
Sergeant Kneen likened the event to the Isle of Man TT races. He said: "It was like TT without the bikes and a lot more people. I spoke to hundreds of visitors and locals and they were extremely welcoming and fascinated to learn more about the Island.
"There were also lots of English speaking visitors from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They were all very interested in the Isle of Man and intrigued by our white helmets."
The Manx police officers proved so popular at the event, that they caught the attention of the French media, who ran a story in the local newspaper, Le Telegramme.
Manx delegation organiser Laurence Skelly was impressed with the response to the officers. He said: "They were the surprise hit and massively popular. The full uniform and white helmets proved a tremendous attraction. The attention was overwhelming at times as they became Disney-like characters with possibly thousands of pictures taken of them.
"Under the extreme heat and constant attention they proved most willing ambassadors, even off duty. Exposure of this level for the Isle of Man is exceptionally rare, highly positive and extremely valuable."
Deputy Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: "I am pleased that we were able to take up the offer to send officers to Brittany. Sometimes the intrinsic Manxness of the Constabulary is overlooked.
"My colleagues and I are proud that we serve the Manx public and, if we helped the Manx delegation and added to the understanding of the Island, then we have done well."
It is hoped that the Manx police offers will be able to attend the festival again next year.
Sergeant Kneen added: "They are considering inviting police officers from the Celtic nations to attend the festival in an official capacity next year and that’s something I could see working well, given the response to our presence."
It is estimated that 850,000 people attended the festival for the anniversary year.
