Strand Street is set to be the coolest place in the capital this Christmas thanks to Wi-Manx’s sponsorship of the ‘Wi-Manx Express’ ice sculpture, organisers Douglas Town Centre Management has confirmed.

 Chipping away are Wi-Manx marketing manager Sarah Read, Douglas town centre manager Oliver Cheshire, Darren Jackson and Stephanie Quayle

Internationally renowned local artists Stephanie Quayle and Darren Jackson will be creating the spectacular ice carving on Saturday December 2 from mid-morning at the corner of Strand Street and Regent Street, providing Christmas shoppers with the perfect photo opportunity.

In previous years the husband and wife team, who have won multiple awards in Europe and Canada for their work, have taken Happy Feet and Frozen as inspirations for their show-stopping Douglas town centre sculptures.

Wi-Manx Marketing Manager Sarah Read said: ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s ice sculpture. The event is a great attraction in the centre of Douglas, especially at the beginning of December when we are all getting into the Christmas spirit. For young and old alike it is a magical start to the holiday season and we can’t wait to see Stephanie and Darren’s depiction of the Wi-Manx Express which they will be creating for 2017. It’s an event not to be missed - everyone can get a photo as a memory.’

Douglas Town Centre Manager Oliver Cheshire said: ‘We’re extremely grateful to Wi-Manx for their generous sponsorship. Stephanie and Darren’s sculptures have always proved a huge draw; to see ice transformed into a work of art live in the town centre is an unforgettable experience.

‘We’re planning all kinds of entertainment and attractions in the town centre this Christmas, which begins in spectacular style with the switching on of the lights on Thursday November 23. Then we’ll be steaming into the festive season with the arrival of the Wi-Manx Express on Saturday December 2 and I’m sure everyone who sees it will be well and truly “chuffed” with the result.’