Our beautiful Island hosts a variety of events throughout the summer months and the Manx Craft Guild has once again been invited to attend these, to showcase the talents of our members and of their handcrafted gifts.
Douglas Carnival, 18th July 2015
Our first summer event was Douglas Carnival returning for it's second year after a 20 year absence. Although we didn't have stalls this year (after last year's torrential rain and wind), we still took part in true Guild fashion - by decorating a vintage bus and of course.We were kindly loaned bus the from the Manx Transport Museum, which we decorated with our vibrant colours of white and purple, with streamers, balloons and some fabulous handmade giant cotton reels, made by our own Linda Quirk.
There was a fantastic atmosphere, with the prom packed with people coming out to cheer the floats and get into the Carnival spirit. We are looking forward to being part of the Carnival next year.
Southern Agricultural Show, 25th - 26th July 2015
The Southern Agricultural show is held annually over two days in Great Meadow, Castletown and is always a popular day out for the whole family. From livestock displays and competitions, to children's activities, vintage farm machinery to live entertainment and of course, Craft and Produce displays.
The Manx Craft Guild attended on the Sunday, but sadly that day summer had left us to be replaced by wind and rain. The tent we were in was still full of cheers as we shared it with the Manx quilters and weavers.
Royal Agricultural Show, 7th - 8th August 2015
We are very lucky on our small Island to have two large agricultural shows and for the Royal Agricultural Show, the sun finally came out. Set in stunning countryside, with rolling hills as a backdrop, the Royal Agricultural Show is also a very popular and well attended event, again with lots to do for all the family.
We had a fantastic two days with lots of visitors, and a great turnout from our own Guild members. With our lovely Kevin Harvey outside the front of our tent demonstrating to visitors how he makes his fabulous wooden spoons and utensils.
Island at War, 22nd-23rd August
Our last event off the summer saw us step back in time to the 1940's with us returning for our second year to Island at War. Our Manx Craft Guild members dressed up as land girls and came in their best tea dresses. The victory rolls were up and the head scarves on. The train whistled into the station with the public to see the tanks and vintage cars and the have a cuppa and a shop in our tent.
