Manx National Heritage

17/06/2026

🐉✨ Calling all young dragons, princesses and adventurers! ✨🐉

Join us at the Manx Museum on Saturday 20th June for a magical Zog Day celebrating 10 years of Zog and the Flying Doctors! Enjoy film screenings, storytelling, crafts, games, puzzles and a fun-filled Zog trail through the museum. There's plenty to keep little imaginations soaring!

Created by beloved children's author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, Zog tells the story of a kind-hearted dragon who tries his very best at dragon school, teaching children about perseverance, friendship and believing in themselves.

🎬 Watch Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors📚 Enjoy story time and a Julia Donaldson book corner🎨 Create your own dragon-themed crafts🔍 Follow the Zog trail around the museum

Spaces are limited, so book your place today and prepare for a dragon-sized adventure!

Booking information 👉 https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/zog-day/

17/06/2026

🇮🇲 The 2026 Commonwealth Games King's Baton Relay is touring the Isle of Man. Today, the baton arrived the Great Laxey Wheel, greeted by children from Laxey School.

The Manx baton was designed by local artist Lesley Sleight and features cultural icons like the Lady Isabella and Tynwald Hill. There are 74 Commonwealth batons, each featuring a different design relevant to the areas of the commonwealth in which they tour. All will reunite at the Glasgow Opening Ceremony on July 23 2026.

The Manx relay features visits to heritage sites, sporting events, and community charities and will conclude on Thursday 19 June at Rushen Abbey (11:00 - 12:00).

17/06/2026

🌟 A Full Life – An Afternoon with Major Shane Lucas 🌟

📅 Sunday 21 June
🕑 2:00pm
📍 Manx Museum

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with Major Shane Lucas, a man whose extraordinary life has been filled with adventure, courage, and discovery.

From distinguished military service and acts of bravery to sailing Viking seas aboard Odin’s Raven and exploring the hidden depths of Laxey’s mines, Shane’s experiences are as fascinating as they are inspiring.

Book now at: https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/mann-underground-an-afternoon-with-major-shane-lucas/

16/06/2026

✨ Meet the Maker – Tomorrow at 1 Market Square, Castletown! ✨

Join us on Wednesday 17 June from 10am–2pm for a special opportunity to meet local jewellery designer Rachel Marshall, founder of RM Designs.

Born and raised on the Isle of Man, Rachel creates beautiful handmade sterling silver and resin jewellery inspired by the Island's stunning landscapes. Using her own photography and craftsmanship, she transforms familiar Manx scenes into unique, wearable works of art.

Discover the stories behind her collections, learn about her creative process, see her jewellery up close, and chat with the maker herself.

Whether you're a jewellery lover, looking for a special gift, or simply curious about local creativity, this is a fantastic chance to support Manx craftsmanship and meet one of the Island's talented designers. ✨

📍 1 Market Square, Castletown
📅 Wednesday 17 June
⏰ 10am–2pm
🎟 Free to drop in

More Information 👉 https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/meet-the-maker-1-market-square/

Come along and uncover the inspiration behind Rachel's stunning Manx-inspired designs! 💍🌊

RM Designs
Castletown Town Commissioners
Visit Isle of Man
Welcome Centre

15/06/2026

🕊️ Helping Swifts find a home in Castletown!

We've recently installed four Swift nest boxes at One Market Square, Manx National Heritage’s new visitor hub in Castletown.

Swifts are among the Isle of Man’s most remarkable summer visitors, but their numbers are declining. Almost half of the Island’s Swift population has been lost this century, largely because modern and renovated buildings often lack the small gaps and cavities these birds rely on for nesting.

The good news? We can all help. Swift nest spaces can be incorporated into new developments, added during renovation projects, or provided through external nest boxes on suitable buildings. Small design choices can make a big difference for this iconic urban bird.

A big thank you to the Manx Bird Club for supplying the nest boxes and to everyone involved in helping create new nesting opportunities for Swifts.

Did you know?

🪽 Swifts spend only around three months each year on the Isle of Man, arriving from Africa in early May and departing from mid-July onwards.

🌍 They eat, drink, sleep and even mate while flying.

⚡ They can reach speeds of up to 111 km/h in level flight and may travel around 800 km in a single day.

🌍 A young Swift may fly around 480,000 km before it first lands at a potential nest site, two summers after leaving the nest.

Visit Castletown Castletown Town Commissioners Friends of Manx National Heritage

14/06/2026

🧱 We’re here until 4pm today at the Nautical Museum in Castletown for LEGO® Imagination Club!

Drop in and let your imagination set sail as you build harbours, ships, docks, pirate adventures and more. There are no instructions and no limits – just plenty of LEGO® bricks and creative fun for all ages. ⚓🚢

Children go free, with standard site admission applying for adults.

Come along, get building, and see what amazing maritime creations you can make before 4pm! 🌊✨

13/06/2026

🧲 Magnet Mania: Little Magnetic Village is happening NOW at Cregneash! 🧲

Drop in and get creative with magnetic tiles as you build your own miniature village. Design houses, towers, roads and more – the only limit is your imagination!

A fun, hands-on activity for children and families, perfect for budding builders and creative minds of all ages.

📍 Quirks Croft, Cregneash
⏰ Until 4.30pm today
⭐️ Standard Admission Applies - children FREE

Come along, get building, and see what amazing creations you can make! No booking required. ✨

https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/magnet-mania-little-magnetic-village/

11/06/2026

Important Information for Climbers, Drone Operators and Coastal Visitors

The Chasms and Sugarloaf Rock are important nesting sites for many seabirds during the spring and summer months. To help protect these birds and their young, the area is currently closed to climbing and drone use as shown on the map below.

🟨 No climbing or drones from 1st March
to 1st August
🟥No climbing or drones from 1st March
to 1st September

Please be aware that under the Isle of Man Wildlife Act 1990, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

· Disturb any wild bird included in Schedule 1 whilst it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or
· Disturb any nest or egg of such a bird; or
· Disturb dependant young of such a bird

Avian Influenza

Please note that seabirds may be affected by Avian Influenza (bird flu). If there is an outbreak, access to this area may be temporarily restricted or closed to protect wildlife and public safety.

10/06/2026

🎨 Ever wondered how artists talk about art?

Join internationally renowned Manx artist Kevin Atherton for a unique Crit Session at the House of Manannan as part of the upcoming TRACES exhibition.

This engaging and informal discussion will explore selected works from the exhibition, offering insights into artistic practice, creative decision-making and the stories behind the artworks.

Many of the exhibiting artists will also be taking part, making this a rare opportunity to hear directly from those shaping the Island's contemporary art scene.

📍 House of Manannan, Peel
📅 Sunday 21 June
⏰ 2pm – 3.30pm

Whether you're an artist, art student, or simply curious about contemporary art, everyone is welcome.

🎟️ Free to attend (booking required): https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/traces-crit-session-with-kevin-atherton/



Friends of Manx National Heritage Creative Network Isle of Man - Whats On - Anything

10/06/2026

✨ Meet the Maker: Rachel Marshall ✨

Join local maker Rachel Marshall of RM Designs at 1 Market Square, Castletown next week and discover the inspiration behind her work. Chat with Rachel about her creative process, browse her beautiful creations, and celebrate local craftsmanship.

📅 Wednesday 17 June
⏰ 10am – 2pm
📍 1 Market Square, Castletown

Free to attend – just drop in!

More information here 👉 https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/meet-the-maker-1-market-square/

Meet the Maker - 1 Market Square Join us for a special Meet the Maker event with local jewellery designer Rachel Marshall, founder of RM Designs. Born and