A frollick of fairies is set to descend on Douglas after The Children’s Centre, in partnership with Douglas Town Centre Management and Barclays, came up with a ‘fairy’ good fundraising idea.

 Douglas town centre manager Oliver Cheshire and mascot Loki, with Poppy Cheshire, six and Willow Cheshire three, Barclays' Buljit Jandu and The Children's Centre's Joff Whitten

On Saturday September 28 there is to be a world record attempt to assemble the most people dressed as fairies in one place. The gathering point will be Villiers Square, from where the procession of fairies will make their winged way to Regent Street and on to Strand Street, Castle Street and Marina Road to arrive for the head count at the Villa Marina Gardens.

To qualify as a fairy, participants must come dressed in a tutu and wings and have a wand.

That same afternoon, two more world records are being attempted on Douglas beach; one for the biggest three-legged race, the other for the biggest backwards three-legged race. (Fairies welcome). The biggest three-legged race record was previously held by the Isle of Man up until the record was broken by Hong Kong earlier this year.

Proceeds from the three challenges will go to The Children’s Centre. The charity’s head, Joff Whitten, said: ‘I remember the first time I saw a fairy. I grew up in the UK near the very magical Alderley Edge, known to be the final resting place of the wizard Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. As a small boy I once saw a fairy in the woods whilst walking on the Edge, it flew from a tree with a flutter of wings and I was convinced magic was real.

‘We in The Children’s Centre work with vulnerable, troubled, complicated and struggling children, young people and families. We do this by helping them to grow and support them to a point of recovery, strength or resilience. When on such journeys we know and understand the value of allowing a little magic in our lives. Such magic is important for all of us and can help us to see the world for what it can be; a very special place with wonder in all we do.

‘We are thrilled to be part of this fabulous, fun and fairytastic event and I can’t wait to see all the amazing costumes your mooinjer veggey wear or create on September 28.’

Barclays’ head of credit operations Ian Pilley said: ‘Barclays is proud to support The Children’s Centre and the fantastic work they do for young people and families in our local community. We have a long-term relationship with the charity and most recently Barclays funded the centre’s learning support service, which provides personal development opportunities for young people.

‘We’re excited to be part of this latest magical fundraising initiative and we encourage everyone to join us dressed as fairies on the 28th of September to hopefully break a world record.’

Douglas Town Centre Manager Oliver Cheshire said: ‘We’re delighted that Barclays have got behind the idea so enthusiastically and have agreed to field fairy teams to swell the numbers.

‘We’re asking as many people as possible - young and old alike - to release their inner Tinkerbelle and also to pair up for the three-legged races. We would like to welcome everyone who took part in the previous record and as many new people as possible to enable the island to break some records and take our title back from Hong Kong.’

Frollick of Fairies participants are asked to assemble in Villiers Square around 3pm on Saturday September 28.

Keep an eye out on the Douglas Town Centre Management Facebook page for updates or contact Oliver Cheshire, 696304.