In 2013 the Villa Marina reaches a special anniversary. First opened on 13 July 1913, ‘the Villa’ has been entertaining the Manx public for 100 years.
 
Hon Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said: ‘The Villa Marina is a fantastic entertainment venue that has been enhancing the quality of life for people in the Isle of Man for one hundred years. The Department is committed to providing a varied and high quality entertainment programme all year round and I am excited what’s in store for the centenary year and beyond.’
 
Dawn Maddrell, General Manager for Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre said: ‘This is a huge milestone in what has been a rich and entertaining history; a history that will be celebrated with an exhibition in the Villa Marina Gallery from June 2013. The exhibition will document the Villa Marina taking the viewer on a journey through the decades with some wonderful archive images. The centenary celebrations will also mirror the grand opening day in 1913 with a gala orchestral concert on Friday 12 July 2013, performed by the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra featuring music from every decade. This is followed on the Saturday by a concert with the Manx Youth Band and their special guests the world renowned Fodens Brass Band.
 
As well as celebrating this special anniversary and the importance of the Villa Marina to the social life of the Isle of Man, the centenary is the perfect opportunity to restate our commitment to providing top quality entertainment. The programme for the centenary is coming together really well and features a great mix of family entertainment, music and comedy.’   
 
At the centre of Douglas Promenade “the Villa”, as it is affectionately known, has hosted lavish dances, international orchestras and some of the most popular entertainment stars over the last 100 years.
 
An ambitious refurbishment in 2004 breathed new life into the Villa Marina. Featuring the stunning Royal Hall, impressive function suites, state of the art cinema and children’s play area, the Villa remains the Isle of Man’s premier entertainment venue.
 
Now in its centenary year, the Villa continues to host some of the biggest names in British comedy and music, as well as family shows and orchestras, the Villa Marina is as important a part of Manx life as it has ever been.
 
To commemorate the centenary, the Villa Marina has produced a special edition calendar featuring work from local photographer Julian Storey. The calendar is available to purchase from the Villa Marina for just ?5.
 
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