The island’s longest running parish fair, Laa Columb Killey, will take place once more in Arbory parish on June 26.
The fair follows a traditional format: at 9.30am the fancy dress – the theme is Vikings – is judged in the school and at 2.45pm the parade will be led by Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band to the fair field for the official opening at 3pm and the princess Emily Sansbury will be crowned.
California resident Judy Mylchreest will open the fair. Since she moved to the US in 1991 Judy has returned to the island to help her mum Jane in the tea tent.
There’s a new tent this year, purchased with a grant from the Donald Collister Heritage Programme, and it will be officially opened by Alan Leece who was Donnie’s good friend.
The afternoon is filled with displays and competitions, there is Manx country dancing by school children, and the exhibition tent will be full of various classes. Where appropriate, entries can be brought to the field between 8am and noon, except for handwriting, drawing and painting which need to be entered earlier in the week.
The sports programme begins at 4-30pm and is followed by an auction of donated exhibits at 7.30pm; all proceeds go to charity. The fair closes with a ceilidh from 9pm with the Arthur Caley Giant Band.
To help before and/or during the fair, contact Shirley, phone 834692 or 455012.