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Summerland Documentary Released
Josh himself has been shortlisted for a Royal Television Society award for his Summerland coverage
A documentary exploring the Summerland disaster in the Isle of Man has launched on ITVX today.
‘Summerland: The Forgotten Disaster’ tells the story of survivors, bereaved families and eyewitnesses, still feeling the lasting effects of the fire 50 years on from the tragedy.
It begins by outlining why the leisure complex was originally built, followed by an elaborate account of the night of the fire, told by those who were there. A total of 50 people died, and 80 more were seriously injured.
Fronted by ITV’s Josh Stokes, the documentary follows Jackie Hallam, who was trapped inside the leisure complex at just 13 and lost her mum, Lorna, and best friend, Jane, in the fire, as she returns to the island.
The second half of the documentary focuses on the lingering injustice felt by some who believe the catastrophe has never truly been recognised.
The documentary highlights how the campaign gathered momentum, by securing a debate in the House of Commons about Summerland, where MPs called on the Isle of Man Government to do more for the victims.
This led to a landmark apology from the Chief Minister, the leader of the Isle of Man Government, but fell short of a commitment to examine the verdicts.
The documentary concludes on the day of the 50th anniversary.
Royal Television
Josh himself has been shortlisted for a Royal Television Society award for his Summerland coverage.
He’s been shortlisted for the emerging young talent of the year award alongside Channel 4’s Ruben Reuter and Yousef Hammash.
The awards ceremony will take place on February 28, hosted by Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
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