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Manx Police quash 60 year old festival

Fri, 04 Aug 2017

A 60 year old traditional festival has been threatened with prosecution by the Island’s Police Force.

The organisers of the Castletown Festival issued a statement this evening informing the public that they have had to make drastic changes and cancel a number of popular events due to be held tomorrow in the Town.

All the evening Entertainment in the Square after 6pm involving music has been cancelled as the Police said they would prosecute all Members of the Organising Committee.

Acts included entertainers from the UK as well as local performers.

The festival operates under a charter as a Philanthropic voluntary organization which is exempt from certain licensing – a view the Manx Police no longer agree with.

The statement said:

“The Castletown Festival has been such a body since it was set up on the initiative of the Castletown Town Commissioners in 1956, and the Castletown Festival has due to its Philanthropic status been exempt under section 20 of the Music and Dancing Act 1961 (and its predecessor), and has therefore not required a Music and Dancing licence for its events.”

The Police in their written notice stated:

“Having reviewed the Carnival over the past few years it is evident that there are no families that attend the evening part of the event, ……”

The Event programme for the evening is now as follows:

6.00pm Festival Free Bingo Game – win £100
6.00pm Judging of the Fancy Dress Competition at Victoria Road Primary School (please note no music will be permitted to be played by any entrants, either walking or vehicle entrant, as this is now deemed to be in contravention of the law).
6.45pm The Castletown Festival’s Fancy Dress Parade will depart Victoria Road School – no leading processional Band.
7.15pm Presentation of Fancy Dress prizes in The Market Square.
8.00pm Magician entertains.
8.30pm The Castletown Festival’s Grand Confetti Carnival (no musical entertainment will be provided by the Festival).​
9.30pm Festival’s Firework Display from Castle Rushen Castle – viewed from The Market Square.

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