A National Service of Remembrance to mark 50 years since the Summerland disaster

Sat, 29 Jul 2023

To mark 50 years since the Summerland disaster on August 2, 1973, a National Service of Remembrance will be held tomorrow (Sunday, July 30) at 4pm at St George’s Church in Douglas. 

Members of the public are encouraged to attend. The service will give people an opportunity to pay tribute to those who died, survived or responded to the fire.

It will be led by the Venerable Irene Cowell, Archdeacon of Man. His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer, the Chief Minister and the Mayor of Douglas will all be in attendance.

They will be joined by the Chief Constable, retired police officers, the Chief Fire Officer and retired fire officers.

Those unable to attend the service can watch proceedings online via a livestream hosted by St George’s Church, which will be available to view on YouTube.

50^th Anniversary

Douglas Borough Council will also be holding a Service of Remembrance for those who lost their lives and have been impacted by the Summerland fire on Wednesday (August 2) at the Kaye Memorial Garden in Douglas at 7pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the service at the memorial. Anyone planning to attend is asked to be present by no later than 6.50pm.

Council leader, Claire Wells said: “The Summerland fire continues to resonate for survivors and the relatives of those who died and it is important an annual tribute is held in their memory and for those who have forever been touched by the tragedy.

“The response from the Island in the summer of 1973 encompassed so many aspects of the local community who assisted in various ways and forged a common bond.

“As a Council we are unified in our desire to properly mark this anniversary and hope members of the public will join us in paying a respectful tribute to those who died, survived or responded to the fire.”

---