'Spectacular' drone show celebrates Manx language
DOUGLAS COUNCILA spectacular drone show celebrating the Isle of Man's native language will light up the skies above the capital on Friday.
Hosted by Douglas City Council in conjunction with Culture Vannin, the display at 19:30 GMT will celebrate Manx Gaelic along with some of the island's traditions and folklore, accompanied by a local soundtrack.
The collaboration falls on the second anniversary of the Manx capital officially receiving city status.
It is part of the island's Blein ny Gaelgey - Year of the Manx Language - celebrations.
What will it include?
Co-ordinator Tiffany Kerruish promised the 15-minute display would be "short and sweet but very spectacular".
She said people could look forward to a "combination of giant Manx words and some really interesting imagery inspired by a seasonal journey through the Manx cultural calendar".
Kerruish added: "There're some very familiar characters that will be appearing, so it'll be lots of fun and really appealing to all ages."
It will be accompanied by a narration of the scenes, alongside traditional Manx music performed by Mec Lir and the duo Elizabeth Davidson Blythe and Daniel Quayle.
Kerruish said: "A lot of people will recognise things but we want people to come away having learnt at least a little bit more about the Manx language as well."
The display has been designed to appeal to everyone and show that Manx "belongs to us all and it's there to be enjoyed", she added.
Where is the best place to watch the show?
Douglas Council said the best viewing area would be on the Loch Promenade walkway between Sunken Garden 1 and Granville Street.
A disabled viewing platform would be available on the walkway opposite Howard Street, it added.
To accommodate spectators, the road at Loch Promenade will be closed - including the junctions with Church Marina Road and Victoria Street - between 19:00 and 20:00 on Friday.
Will there be parking restrictions?
Promenade parking will close at 17:00, with owners of cars parked in the spectator area during the event reminded they cannot be moved until the road closure has been lifted.
The Bottleneck Car Park - which will be used as the launchpad for the drones - will be closed from 18:00.
Motorists are encouraged to use Chester Street and Shaw's Brow instead.
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