Douglas Borough Council’s fun day in Noble’s Park drew the crowds, estimated to be around 5000, with an afternoon of entertainment and attractions for all the family on Saturday August 4.

 The Mayor with Banhi, three, and Oishani, seven, Chakraborty

Supported by media partner 3FM, local businesses and volunteer organisations, the fun day not only provided an opportunity for families to enjoy the attractions - which ranged from performances by Dance Dynamics and the Roc Vannin choir, to bouncy castles and face painting - but also for His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jon Joughin JP and the Mayoress, Mrs Angela Joughin, together with Councillors, to meet members of public. Members of the Council also played key roles in organising the children’s races where competition was, always, good natured but fiercely fought.

The Mayor and Mayoress with performers from Dance Dynamic Isle of Man

The occasion was also an opportunity for the Waste Services team to promote the importance of recycling and the availability of the Council’s kerbside collection service, and for Henry Bloom Noble Library’s borough librarian Jan Macartney and assistant borough librarian Sophie Mills to set out their stall of great-value books for sale.

 Jono Evans, Chris Hedley and Jason Quinn of 3FM, the event's media partner

Regeneration and Community Committee Chair Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘The fun day was a resounding success thanks to the tremendous hard work of officers and staff over many weeks ahead of the event as well as on the day. The Council is also grateful to our media partner, 3FM, for their support, and to the many local businesses and volunteer groups who took part. While it was all great fun, the day also provided an opportunity for a number of charities – and our own Waste Services and Henry Bloom Noble Library - to promote their services to a wider audience, all of which made the day a true community event.’

 At the mayoral charity appeal stall with Councillor Karen Angela, Carolyn Galloway and Val Platt

The Leader of the Council Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘As in previous years Councillors, myself included, found the fun day a good way to meet members of the public in an informal way. A good number of us also helped to run – but not compete in, of course, – the children’s races, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

‘The turnout of families with young children was excellent and it’s encouraging that in these days of the distractions of smartphones and other devices, that a well-run traditional fun day can still attract the crowds in great numbers.’

1st Douglas Scouts Gordon Gledhill, Kate Atkinson and Neil Simpson with Valentine Dragu and daughter Isabelle, eight

 Douglas Town Centre Management mascot Loki and Colin Harwood

Borough librarian Jan Macartney and assistant borough librarian Sophie Mills

Carrie Wilson, Michael Diehl and Kimberley Brown

Waste services' Nick Barnes, Jeanette Edwards and Andy Crook