Manx National Heritage is inviting families, children and visitors to enjoy an exciting programme of summer events across the Isle of Man this July and August, featuring everything from outdoor theatre and family trails to hands-on workshops, STEM activities and creative play.
The summer programme begins at The Grove with the Grove Grand Sports Day taking place on 11 July, offering traditional sports day fun for all the family. Families can return to The Grove on 18 July for The Great Grove Manx Cat Challenge, a summer family trail packed with adventure and discovery.
A highlight of the season sees internationally acclaimed outdoor theatre company ADG Europe present Shakespeare’s thrilling tragedy Macbeth at two of the Island’s most spectacular heritage sites. Performances take place at Peel Castle on 25 July and Rushen Abbey on 26 July, offering audiences aged 12 and over a unique opportunity to experience Shakespeare under the open sky.
Children can enjoy a wide range of interactive activities throughout the summer holidays. STEM enthusiasts can explore the wonders of magnetism at Magnet Mania: Little Engineers at the Great Laxey Wheel on 28 July, followed by Magnet Mania: Victorian Adventures at The Grove on 11 August.
Creative young minds can take part in a variety of workshops, including:
- Little Makers: Skeealyn & Strings Bracelet Workshop at the Manx Museum on 31 July
- Little Makers: Strawberry Planter Workshop at Rushen Abbey on 7 August
- Little Makers: Little Pollinators Art Workshop at The Grove on 14 August
- Little Makers: Little Birdhouse Design Workshop at Cregneash on 21 August
For younger visitors, the popular Mini Manxies series offers engaging experiences designed especially for under-fives. Activities include sensory storytelling, music, drama and creative play at heritage sites across the Island.
Children can also enjoy free building sessions with LEGO® Imagination Club at the House of Manannan on 30 July and the Manx Museum on 13 August, while younger builders can explore Duplo Imagination Club at Cregneash on 5 August.
The summer programme concludes with Little People’s Picnic: A Celebration of the Manx Language at Rushen Abbey on 30 August, bringing families together to celebrate the Island’s unique language and culture in a fun and welcoming setting.
Vicky Dale, Events and Bookings Officer for Manx National Heritage said:
“Manx National Heritage is delighted to welcome families and visitors to our heritage sites this summer for a programme packed with opportunities to play, learn and make lasting memories together. From outdoor theatre in some of the Isle of Man’s most iconic settings to hands-on workshops, creative activities and family adventures, there really is something for everyone.
Our events are designed to help people connect with the Island’s heritage in fun and engaging ways, and we look forward to seeing visitors of all ages enjoying these special experiences throughout the school holidays.”
Many family activities are free or included with admission, while selected workshops and performances require advance booking.
For full event details and to book tickets, visit:
https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/school-summer-holidays/
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
Summer Events at a Glance:
July
- 11 July – The Grove Grand Sports Day, The Grove
- 18 July – 6 September The Great Grove Manx Cat Challenge, The Grove
- 25 July – Shakespeare: Macbeth, Peel Castle
- 26 July – Shakespeare: Macbeth, Rushen Abbey
- 28 July – Magnet Mania: Little Engineers, Laxey
- 29 July – Mini Manxies: Aroma Massage Story Magic, The Grove
- 30 July – LEGO® Imagination Club, House of Manannan
- 31 July – Little Makers: Skeealyn & Strings Bracelet Workshop, Manx Museum
August
- 5 August – Duplo Imagination Club, Cregneash
- 7 August – Little Makers: Strawberry Planter Workshop, Rushen Abbey
- 11 August – Magnet Mania: Victorian Adventures, The Grove
- 12 August – Mini Musicians: The Medieval Music Quest, Cregneash
- 13 August – LEGO® Imagination Club, Manx Museum
- 14 August – Little Makers: Little Pollinators Art Workshop, The Grove
- 19 August – Mini Manxies: Drama Tots Castles, House of Manannan
- 21 August – Little Makers: Little Birdhouse Design Workshop, Cregneash
- 26 August – Mini Manxies: Creation Station, House of Manannan
- 30 August – Little People’s Picnic: A Celebration of the Manx Language, Rushen Abbey
