Plans to Commemorate Summerland Fire 50 Years On

A number of events and projects have been scheduled to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Summerland fire.

Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson made a statement on this in Tynwald today. She said that in August this year, 50 years will have passed since the fire.

Mrs Poole-Wilson explained that the government feels it’s right that it’s properly commemorated.

‘More than half of our current population were not born at the time of the tragedy,’ she said. ‘The ripples spread wide, each of us will have a unique human response to the tragedy.’

She added that plans are focused ‘on people and on coming together to pay respects to all affected’.

There will be a service at St George’s Church in Douglas on July 30 with the opportunity for the community to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the fire.

Mrs Poole-Wilson said: ‘I hope it will symbolise a nation’s enduring regret.’

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan will lead a presentation to representatives of emergency services and members of the health service on the eve of the anniversary.

A new oral history will represent people’s memories of the incident as Culture Vannin records interviews with those involved. This will be the first time some have spoken publicly about it. It will be available online.

There will also be an online exhibition by Manx National Heritage entitled ‘Remembering Summerland’, which will focus on photo and film with archive material. This will be launched in the week of the anniversary.

A service will be held at Kaye Memorial Garden on the day and there will be a private event at the Summerland site itself as well.

The anniversary is on August 2 of this year. More information will be available on the government’s website closer to the time, sais Mrs Poole-Wilson.