Live music stage to encourage summer tourism

A live music stage for Manx performers will open on the Isle of Man this summer, Peel Commissioners have confirmed.

The local authority hopes to unveil it in May for a five-month period running until September on Peel beach.

It will seek to invite six local bands to perform in a bid to draw seasonal tourism to the area.

The plans are expected to run to about £10,000, including the maintenance and management of the stage and musicians.

Commissioner Katryna Baptist said the plan hopes to draw in investment to Peel, with parts of the surrounding town earmarked for development.

Baptist said: "It's fairly early days but we're getting some help from central government.

"We've also got someone who'll help bring the vision to life and do some artwork - that's fully under way and it should be quite exciting."

Six bands along with their audio and lighting equipment will be funded by Peel Commissioners, she confirmed, whilse other musicians, buskers and festivals will be able to play on stage during the five-month period.

It is hoped local sponsorship will help "reduce the burden on people", Baptist confirmed.

She said: "It presents a really big, exciting opportunity for Peel."

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