2013 special events announced for the Isle of Man

Details have been announced of several special events which will take place on the railways of the Isle of Man in 2013 including an extra event for the Manx Electric Railway to celebrate 120 years of operation. In addition the annual Manx Heritage Transport Festival will again take place at the end of July and another returning event will see Winter Photography on the Manx Electric Railway at the start of November.

Probably the most anticipated event of 2013 will be held on 7^th September when celebrations are held to commemorate 120 years since the MER opened between Douglas and Groudle. No further details have yet been released of this event with the initial
publicity stating that the celebrations will be based around Derby Castle in
Douglas.

The main Isle of Man transport event returns between 24^th and 28^th July with the Manx Heritage Transport Festival featuring all of the island’s railways plus many other forms of transport as well. Running for five days it is hoped to feature steam and electric railways, vintage bikes, classic cars, buses and more. The event in 2012 included an intensive tram service on the MER and it remains to be seen what is dreamt up for next year.

The final big event on the MER is also a returning one with a second outing for Winter photography on the Manx Electric Railway, taking place on 2^nd November. This year’s
event took place just last week and featured the rare November use of Crossbench Car 32 and Works Trailer 52 with several photo stops and tours of interest around the Laxey area. More rare combinations are expected for the event next year.

Away from these three main events the following events will also be taking place on the Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway in 2013:

• 26^th & 27^th April: Pie in the Sky – Ride the MER and SMR to the highest point on the island where you can raise a glass and enjoy a warming supper before stepping outside in the dark for an informative night of stargazing with the Isle of Man Astronomical Society.
• 18^th & 19^th May: Swinging 60s – Ride the tram to Laxey and step back to the 1960s with entertainment, music, memorabilia and vehicles from the era.
• 29^th & 30^th June: A Victorian Extravaganza! – A celebration of everything Victorian on the Manx Electric Railway. A number of interesting Victoria personalities will be in attendance with Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson visiting to investigate goings on! Laxey Fair will also take place on the 29^th.
• 27^th & 28^th September: Pie in the Sky – Ride the MER and SMR to the highest point on the island where you can raise a glass and enjoy a warming supper before stepping outside in the dark for an informative night of stargazing with the Isle of Man Astronomical Society.
• 4^th & 5^th October: Murder Mystery at Snaefell – Murder is afoot on the MER, what better setting than the highest point of the Island, Snaefell Summit where no one can hear the screams! Following a series of clues you will be invited to solve the murder over a three course dinner inside the Summit restaurant.
• 7^th, 8^th, 14^th, 15^th, 21^st & 22^nd December: Christmas on the Railways – both Santa Trams and Santa Trains will be operating.