Festival 'brings the island's heritage to life'

Access to inside Fort Island is included in this year's programme

Behind the scenes access to the Isle of Man's natural history collection is among the events being held as part of a heritage festival.

Run by Manx National Heritage, (MNH) , the annual heritage open days are set to take place over two weekends between 3 and 5 October as well as 10 to 12 October.

A programme of 48 activities will feature guided tours, talks and behind the scenes access to buildings and collections, including the Isle of Man Arts loan collection as well as a tour of Government House.

Connie Lovel, chief executive of Manx National Heritage, said the events "bring the island's heritage to life" and provide the opportunity for the public to "celebrate it."

Access to Manx National Heritage's Large Objects Store is part of the programme

"The diversity of experiences, themes and locations on offer makes Heritage Open Days a truly special occasion", she continued.

The series will also include a walk to Killabrega, tracing the history of coastal defence of the west coast and Great Walls of Laxey trail, as well as tours of King William's College.

In its 16th year, the festival "invites everyone to connect with our island's heritage", MNH said, adding "whether you are intrigued by history, local art or hidden architecture, there's something for everyone."

The series will also feature tours of Douglas City Hall, Viking burials as well as the Manx Electric Railway Laxey shed and sub-station.

Katie King, Manx National Heritage curator, said there were "lots of really diverse things happening" adding "for some people it is their favourite time of year."

The idea behind the festival was for people to provide access to "something you can't usually see" and as tours were led by experts, it was "a great way of passing information down."

The events will be free admission and some need to be booked online beforehand, while others were drop-in.