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Island goes back in time this weekend

Sat, 17 Aug 2019

Events will be taking place in Douglas, Castletown and Port Erin this weekend as part of Island at War.

There is a busy programme of re-enactments, exhibitions, military vehicle displays and war games on Saturday and Sunday. All activities will be between 10:00-16:30 daily.

Isle of Man Railways will be transporting around 70 veterans to Port Erin on a special steam train along with Lieutenant Govern Sir Richard Gozney.

Take the train to the following Stations to be part of the action:

Douglas Railways Station

Soak up the wartime atmosphere with activities, wartime horses and displays at Douglas Station. There will be entertainment throughout the day by the Vintage Vocal Harmony Group; The Swingettes on the Saturday and our local singers; Southern Belles on the Sunday.

Inside the Douglas Ticket Hall will be Poppy art with the renowned local Artist Michael Starkey.

On Saturday at 11:20 a special steam train will transport our islands veterans from Douglas Station to Port Erin, where they will be welcomed by the Lieutenant Govern Sir Richard Gozney.

The Isle of Man Home Guard Re-enactment Society will be in Douglas to show people the reality of serving in the Home Guard. Along with the Auxiliary Fire Service who will illustrate how wartime equipment was used.

 

Castletown Station

Immersed in wartime Britain with the Black Knight Living Historical Camp located in Castletown. The WW2 re-enactment will travel on the train between the 3 stations throughout the event.

The Southern and Explorer scouts will host a series of wartime activities including the field hospital and carrier deck landing games.

Vehicles from the period including a traction engine, steam lorry, will add to the atmosphere.

Try your hand at Swing Dancing with lessons on Castletown Platform

Refreshments will be available by the popular Scouts cakes and drinks stall.

 

Port Erin Station

Port Erin will be fabulous with the 1940s dressed shop front and the Southern Belles performing on the platform on the Saturday evening and the Swingettes on the Sunday.

The WI will have stalls selling jams, cakes and crafts. There will also be an antique and collectables fair will be held in St Catherine’s Hall.

Come and see the tank-like Abbot self-propelled military artillery piece which is kindly on loan from the Isle of Man Motor Museum. Have a chance to win a ride in the Abbot and free entrance to the Motor Museum.

The 440 1st Manx Squadron RAF Air Cadets will be on duty.

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