The 2018 Tower Insurance Tower of Refuge walk will take place on Sunday August 12, organiser Douglas Town Centre Management has confirmed.

Sponsored for the seventh successive year by Tower Insurance, the walk is in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, representatives from which will be in attendance and collecting in aid of the charity.

Douglas Town Centre Manager Oliver Cheshire (pictured centre, above) said: ‘We’re very grateful to Tower Insurance for their continued support. The walk regularly attracts up to 3000 people and as this year it’s on a Sunday in what we hope will be a warmer month, we would expect even larger crowds. Organising the walk is a massive undertaking but the event is made all the more successful thanks to Andy Cunningham and his fellow Douglas Coastguard crew members who provide tremendous support in the run-up to the walk and on the day.

Douglas town centre manager Oliver Cheshire with Douglas Coastguard Andrew Cunningham and Tower Insurance development manager Richard Hulme

‘As 2018 is the 90th anniversary of the Tower Insurance there’ll be more of a celebratory element to the day so in the afternoon there’ll be live bands performing from a stage on Harris Promenade, fairground rides and all kinds of activities on the beach with some great prizes to be won. All the entertainment will be free but donations to the RNLI would be very welcome.’

Tower Insurance managing director Emmet McQuillan said: ‘In this, our 90th anniversary year, we are proud to be sponsoring what has become one of the island’s biggest community events.

‘Over the years Tower Insurance has grown thanks to the loyalty of our Isle of Man customers. We are therefore pleased to recognise that loyalty by once again supporting the Tower of Refuge walk, which provides a rare opportunity for people to visit in safety one of the Island’s best-known landmarks.’

The Tower Insurance Tower of Refuge escorted walk is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn and instructions by the coastguards and stewards followed at all times.

Subject to weather and tidal conditions the walk will start at approximately 6pm. Access will be via the Broadway slip or the sets of steps closest to the Bottleneck car park.

For the latest news check out Douglas Town Centre Management’s Facebook page, visit dtcm.im or contact Oliver Cheshire,  696304.