As in previous years, Douglas Borough Council is to commemorate the Summerland fire disaster on August 2.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Joughin JP, will preside over a short ceremony at 7pm, which members of the public are welcome to attend in the Kaye Memorial Garden on Queen’s Promenade, where they will be joined by Members of the Council to honour the 50 who died on August 2 1973 when the seven-storey leisure complex was destroyed by fire.

Council Leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘In 2013, the 40th anniversary of what was one of the most tragic events in modern-day Manx history, the Council commissioned a memorial for the Kaye Memorial Garden - three simple granite columns bearing the names and ages of the 50 victims – which was dedicated by the Archdeacon of Man, the Venerable Andrew Brown, during a moving public service of remembrance and wreath laying on August 2 of that year.

‘Every year since, Members of the Council have gathered in the Kaye Memorial Garden with members of the public on the anniversary of the disaster to pause and reflect on a tragedy that touched not only the Manx nation but also resonated in communities far beyond these shores.’

Members of the public are invited to join with Council Members in the Kaye Memorial Garden on Thursday, August 2 at 7pm when His Worship the Mayor will deliver a short address and lay a wreath in memory of those who perished.