Spring is in the air and preparations for the Isle of Man Flower Festival are in full swing.
Volunteers in the 22 participating venues are planning their displays, preparing catering facilities and arranging special concerts and services to complement the festival, which will run from July 3-9.
The website www.flowerfest.im is now up and running, with details of all the locations taking part and the events planned, along with directions to various venues. The website also gives details of the days and hours each venue will be open.
Production of the Festival brochure is under way and it will be available following the TT.
This year sees the return of the photographic competition that was popular during the Festival’s predecessor, the Manx Heritage Flower Festival.
Photographic entries should be of a floral arrangement depicting the theme of Our Island Year of Culture, taken in one of the participating venues.
Only prints are being accepted and they should be A5 size. Entries are limited to four per person and any photographs featuring people must have their written permission before submission.
Participants should write their name, phone number and the venue where the photo was taken clearly on the reverse of every photo. Entries from all ages are welcome; if under-18, please give your date of birth.
Winning entries may be used in future publicity but, unfortunately, it will not be possible to return photos.
The closing date for entries is August 1 and should be sent to 1 Glashen Close, Ballasalla IM9 2AB, marked ‘Photo comp’ at the top left of the envelope.
Details of the prizes will be announced shortly
Flower Festival committee member Judy Matthews said: ‘We’re delighted to be bringing back the photo competition – it always used to be very popular.
‘Everyone involved in the festival, all around the Island, is working hard towards our week in July. We hope thousands will come to the participating venues to enjoy a very colourful celebration.’
Sponsorship agreements for the banners that will appear outside the participating venues are currently being finalised.
Anyone interested in sponsoring banners or the festival in another way- or requiring further information – should call Judy on 835073 or Jean Clifton on 823420.
