The 2009 Bright Ideas: Living for the Future Exhibition at the Villa Marina has been reported as the most successful to date, with over 1,000 people attending over 6-7th March.
The exhibition showcased energy-saving products and interactive displays; there was also music from local performers throughout the second day, and the Manx Farmers' Market did particularly good business.
The most popular display was the Carbon Gym, which demonstrated to users the level of CO2 emissions generated by various activities. Trade and Industry Minister David Cretney MHK, who opened the event, was one of the first to try out the Gym.
Other interactive displays included the Energy Bike, which enabled electrical appliances to work through pedal-power, and the EcoDriving Simulator, a car racing game with which taught drivers more economical driving practices.
The results of the Bright Ideas competition for local schools, in which Children were tasked with inventing homes and innovative energy solutions for the future, were announced during the event. The subsequent range of ideas demonstrated the understanding of environmental issues among the Island’s younger generation.
Saturday visitors to the exhibition were treated to music from local folk groups and the Sambamann samba band. The
excellent Growers’ Question Time also proved highly successful.
Local celebrity Samantha Barks, currently starring in 'Cabaret', attended the exhibition on Friday, chatting with the winners of the Bright Ideas school competition and helping to raise over ?500 from the Carbon Gym fundraising initiative for the Dream Catcher Appeal. As a special thank you, the organisers presented Miss Barks with a goodie bag of organic skin and hair care pampering treats.
David Cretney MHK commented 'I am very pleased with the overall success of the event and wish to thank all those involved.
I’d particularly like to thank Transitions Isle of Man who assisted with the overall co-ordination of the event and helped to create a pleasant atmosphere by arranging for the local bands to perform. Thanks are also extended to the officers from the Department of Local Government and the Environment and the Department of Education. This event, coupled with the recently published results from the energy consultation, is proof that issues surrounding energy are considered increasingly important by Isle of Man residents.'
