This Saturday (18th April) sees the launch of the 2009 Manx Heritage Flower Festival at St John’s Methodist Church. Representatives from the eighteen participating venues will be present at the launch, which starts at 10.30 am.
The Festival, a popular attraction for many years, provides a great opportunity for families to spend time together and have great fun exploring the Island. Launching this year's event is the Hon Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, who comments:
‘The Manx Heritage Flower Festival gives visitors a fantastic opportunity to view the displays whilst taking in some of the glorious countryside, surrounding attractions and historical sites, including Laxey Wheel, Castle Rushen, Cregneash Folk Village, the Grove Museum and Rushen Abbey. There is a superb variety of venues, ranging from small chapels such as The Howe Methodist Chapel to larger churches such as St. German’s Cathedral and St. Andrew’s Church. St John’s Mill at Tynwald Mills Craft Centre is also well worth a visit.
'Whether or not you are residents or visitors to our shores, I hope you will all take the opportunity to have a great time to relax and unwind and enjoy the magnificent displays and the schedule of activities on offer throughout Manx National Week. I know you will join me in expressing appreciation to all those involved for their dedication and commitment to this great annual event.’
The Festival will run from 5th to 11th July and themed floral displays, photographs and paintings on the theme of ‘All things Bright and Beautiful’ will be on view in the participating venues. A wide selection of refreshments will be available, including cream teas, morning coffee and lunches. Free souvenir pamphlets listing all the participating churches and special events during the Festival are available from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal, Douglas and more information can be viewed on www.manxflowerfestival.org
In 2010, the Manx Heritage Flower Festival celebrates its 20th Anniversary. The theme will be ‘Rejoice’ and there will be a number of special displays to mark this significant achievement.
