Plans are coming together for the biggest community event Douglas Borough Council and Douglas Development Partnership will stage this year, Douglas Carnival on Saturday July 19th.
Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley, (pictured) said: ‘Douglas Carnival is free to enter but those taking part will need to complete an entry form, available for download from douglascarnival.im
‘It’s still early days yet, but we’ve already drawn up a whole range of categories, such as Best Float, Best Walking Group, Best Band, etc; these and many others will attract some fantastic prizes – some cash, others goods or services. There’ll also be more music, live bands…maybe even a headline act, but we’re keeping that under wraps for now. What’s important right now is to get creative, think “carnival” then log on for your entry form.’
Council Leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘There is a great deal of work being put in behind the scenes to ensure that Douglas Carnival is a spectacular event that will attract people from all over the Island.
‘The festivities are due to start around 2pm on the walkway along Harris Promenade where there will be family-focused activities including entertainment, stalls and concessionary outlets. Then at 6.30pm the whole of Douglas promenade is set to come alive with a parade of floats, bands, groups and cavalcades and later the street festival switches to the North Quay which will host the after party.
‘This presents the perfect opportunity to enter into the spirit of Island of Culture 2014 and “Be Inspired. Be Involved”. For the after party we want to see the harbourside take centre stage and for all the cafés, pubs, restaurants and other businesses there to really get behind the event and come up with ideas that will not only create a great party atmosphere but also increase footfall and spend because, as I said in my recent Budget speech, for Douglas Carnival to be a true success it must bring commercial benefit to the town.’
For regular carnival updates follow Douglas Town Centre Management on Facebook.
