Isle of Man events
There are a great selection of events in the Isle of Man throughout the year, something to suit all tastes and interests.
Here are a selection of our favourites:
IOM Darts Festival
12 - 14th March
Every year around 800 darts players converge on the Villa Marina in Douglas to take part in the Isle of Man International Open Darts competition. In 2010 the event will celebrate its 25th Anniversary and players from the UK and beyond will be trying to win a share of the £21,000 prize fund.
Manx Classic Car Trial
19th & 20th March
An exciting new weekend rally event, replacing the Poppy Rally, which takes a year off. The event includes twenty five special tests, (some on fabulous closed roads), over a dozen regularities and a ninety mile evening leg. A tulip road book, supplemented by pre marked maps should ensure that non rally time is not spent plotting but enjoying the island and the camaraderie of fellow competitors.
Easter Athletics Festival
2nd - 4th April 2010
This is a great athletic and social weekend. Good, friendly competition in a different environment and, for some, the chance to win a bit of beer money (or more) along the way as well.
Manx Mountain Marathon
3rd April 2010
The race is one of athletics ultimate challenges covering 31 miles of difficult, rugged terrain as it visits 11 of the Isle of Mans major peaks.
Round the Island Yacht Race
2nd May
Round the Island Race will start at Ramsey at 1330 BST. HW is at 1440 BST. The Race was first held in 1953 for the Coronation Cup.
Blackford Pre-TT Classic
28th, 29th & 31st May
First run on the Billown Course in the south of the Isle of Man in 1988, the popular meeting which kick-starts the annual TT Festival, commences on Friday evening 28th May and continues Saturday afternoon 29th, concluding with a full days racing on Monday 31st May. The unique Prize Presentation takes place on Tuesday afternoon June 1st, in Castletown Square and includes a Concours d’Elegance of Racing Machines.
TT Festival
29th May - 11 June
More than 100 years on and thrill seekers still venture to the Isle of Man every summer for the same reason the gentlemen of 1907 did, the Tourist Trophy more commonly known as the Isle of Man TT.
Peel Day
6th June
Peel Day gets under way at noon and will feature live music, entertainment, stalls and guest appearances. There will be fun for all the family, with a bucking bronco, bouncy castles, hammer and bell, bike balancing and a chance to prove your riding skills on the TT Superbikes game. Visitors may also be able to enjoy a jet ski ring ride, watch the street entertainers and visit the trade stands and food stalls.
Walking Festival
13th - 18th June 2010
All the walks are led by experienced leaders. They are there to ensure that the correct routes are followed as well as providing interesting information on the beautiful scenic landscape, and in many cases, the fascinating mix of Celtic and Viking heritage.
IOM Adventure Week
19th - 27th June
Outdoor based festival with our key service areas of Safe, Fun, Learning running through all activities including ( Coasteering, Sea Kayaking, Gorge Scrambling, Abseiling, Rock Climbing & Sea Fishing) Shared experiences, progression, journeying and discovery.
June Crown Green Bowls Festival
21st - 25th June
The Festival has grown from strength to strength over the years to include new and innovative competitions. It is now recognised as the best Festival in the bowling calendar, and carries with it the highest prize money of any Festival. The Festival is uniquely structured in that even if a player loses every game he or she can play bowls Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Additional competitions offered to visitors throughout the week include Men’s, Ladies and Mixed Pairs, Tourism Competitions and Consolation Competitions.
IOM Queenie Festival & Marine Day
1st - 4th July
The Isle of Man Queenie Festival is a week of events celebrating the sea and the Manx Queenie. Events include beach parties, live music, barbeques, sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing, Marine Day and more.
Southern 100
12th-15th July
Four action packed days at the Steam Packet sponsored Southern '100', followed by the 'unique' Open Air Prize Presentation in Castletown Square adds a special finish to what has become known over the decades as 'the friendly races.
Mannin Angling Club Boat Fishing Festival
31st July- 6 August
This years festival will start on Saturday 31st July with a shore comp,the entire comp will be fished as measure and return. Sunday 1st will be the start of the boat competitions and will be a mixture of measure and return and species through the week. The festival will be again supporting catch and release fishing.
Manx Grand Prix
21st August - 3rd Sept
Motorbike racing on the mountain circuit
September Crown Green Bowls Festival
6th-10th September
The Festival has grown from strength to strength over the years to include new and innovative competitions. It is now recognised as the best Festival in the bowling calendar, and carries with it the highest prize money of any Festival. The Festival is uniquely structured in that even if a player loses every game he or she can play bowls Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Additional competitions offered to visitors throughout the week include Men’s, Ladies and Mixed Pairs, Tourism Competitions and Consolation Competitions.
IOM Festival of Pool
25th September - 1st October
The venue will be the superb Villa Marina in Douglas. There are team compititions for gents & ladies, the Festival of Pool is is an event not to be missed.
