Commemorations to mark Summerland fire disaster

Two memorial services will be held on Saturday

Memorial services for the 50 victims of the Isle of Man's Summerland fire disaster will be held this week.

There were about 3,000 people at the complex - one of the biggest entertainment venues in Europe at the time - when it quickly became consumed by flames on 2 August 1973.

To mark the 52nd anniversary of the disaster, Douglas Council will hold a service at the Kaye Memorial Garden at about 18:45 BST on Saturday.

Council Leader Devon Watson said the tragedy continued to have a "lasting impact on survivors and the families of those who were lost" and added that an annual service was "essential to ensure they are never forgotten".

Demolition of the replacement complex and other remaining buildings on the site took place in 2005

The service will be led by Douglas Mayor's chaplain Michael Brydon.

Mayor Steven Crellin will then lay a wreath on the memorial.

A separate commemoration organised by Tina Brennen and the Justice for Summerland Group - which represents some of the disaster's survivors and the families of those affected by it - will see a one-minute silence being held on the Summerland site at 19:00.

The tribute will also include wreath laying and a performance from Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums.

This will take place in front of a "wall of faces" of the victims, family and friends of the 50 who died during the blaze.

It will be in place from 19:00 until 20:00 on Saturday.

Ms Brennen said it would represent that "many people are still suffering" from the tragedy, and allow them to "have their voices heard" as they hold up messages about the fire.

It will coincide with a weeklong exhibition at the Villa Marina Arcade.

This will be open daily from 10:00 until 16:00.

Called Summerland 50 - Remembering for the Future, the display covers the development of the north side of Douglas prom during the Victorian era, .

It includes the inception of Summerland, the fire and its aftermath up until the present day.

Earlier this year, Justice for Summerland submitted an application for a fresh inquest into the disaster.

This was rejected by the island's Attorney General in May.

The group is now appealing against that decision and continues to campaign for a memorial on the site of Summerland, which is now a disused carpark.