Douglas Borough Council is promoting Island of Culture at one of the town’s principal gateways.

The local authority’s parks section has created a carpet bedding scheme on the roundabout opposite the Sea Terminal building bearing the legend ‘Island of Culture’.

The scheme is one of a number the Council is progressing around the town, including a new revetted bed on Queen’s Promenade with a Three Legs of Man design and a giant poppy on Douglas Head as a contribution to the Island’s First World War centenary commemorations.

Island of Culture event director Michael Lees said: ‘I am delighted that the Council is supporting our Island of Culture celebrations so enthusiastically and, indeed, creatively. During the year we expect many visitors to the Island, not least in July when some 300 will arrive – many by sea – for the British All-Winners Festival of plays the Island is hosting, so to be able to welcome them with such a colourful display will set the tone for what’s sure to be a wonderful week of the best of amateur drama from across the British Isles.

‘The Council’s head of parks David Hewes and his team are to be congratulated on creating such a magnificent greeting.’

Regeneration and Community Committee Chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘With all eyes on the capital this summer as we celebrate Island of Culture 2014, the TT, the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling and many other events, it is important Douglas promotes a welcoming and positive “open for business” image to visitors. The parks section is bringing colour and vibrancy to the town’s open spaces with some outstanding floral displays created from bedding plants – around 450,000 a year – grown from seed at Ballaughton nursery.

‘We are pleased to be lending our support to Island of Culture in its work to promote the wealth of artistic talent there is in the Island to as wide an audience as possible.’