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Sea Isle of Man 2005 21 July 2004 The Isle of Man will celebrate its maritime history in a programme of events
taking place in 2005.
The Department of Tourism's campaign Sea Isle of Man 2005 is an
offshoot of Sea
Britain 2005 - a major marketing initiative by VisitBritain (formerly the
British Tourist Authority) aimed at marking the 200th anniversary of Nelson's
death and the Battle of Trafalgar to visitors from outside the UK.
Currently the DTL is urging any residents planning events or competitions on a
maritime theme to contact them to ensure the events are included in publicity
material being produced to market the festival throughout 2005.
Tourism Department political member Dominic Delaney MLC explained:
"The Isle of Man can be justifiably proud of its maritime heritage and has
contributed much to marine evolution and the development of marine commerce
throughout the centuries.
"We have a connection with many important events in maritime history including
the Bounty, the Victory and the Battle of Trafalgar, and the founding of the
Royal National Lifeboat Institution. These and other links are celebrated in
various heritage attractions, and we will be building on that for Sea Britain
2005."
Marketing development manager Derek Mulhern said:
"Sea Isle of Man 2005 gives the Isle of Man the opportunity to portray its
rich maritime history from the earliest appearance of man in the Mesolithic
period 10,000 years ago to the many Manx men and women who serve aboard today's
21st century warships, and their involvement with the merchant shipping industry.
"The Island's often turbulent past has also helped to create this seafaring
nation attracting many different nationalities, such as the Vikings, to its
shores. Plus we have the oldest continuous shipping passenger company in the
world, the IoM Steam Packet Company, which in 2005 celebrates its 175th
anniversary, so Sea Isle of Man 2005 seems to be a logical campaign for us to
market.
"It is hoped we will have a number of events, exhibitions and attractions to
promote throughout the year and ideas are being sought from young and old.
Suggestions include concerts or even a painting competition on a maritime theme.
There is a website for Sea Britain 2005 www.seabritain2005.com which may give
some examples as to what has been planned to date in the UK. We would be
delighted to hear from any Island resident who is planning to stage an event
next year which would fit in with the maritime theme and, if you excuse the pun,
we will be happy to take any suggestions on board."
The Department has set up a website www.seaisleofman.com to market the event
which will be updated regularly as the programme develops. Alternatively, email
any suggestions or comments to seaisleofman@gov.im. More stories >>>
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