Memorial services to mark 53rd anniversary of Summerland Disaster

Fifty people died in leisure complex fire in 1973

Memorial ceremonies are due to take place in Douglas tonight (2 August) to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Summerland Disaster.

Fifty people lost their lives in the fire which swept through the leisure complex on the promenade on the evening of 2 August, 1973.

Douglas Council will host a public service and wreath laying at the Kaye Memorial Garden at 6:45pm, described as 'a time for reflection and remembrance'.

Anyone wishing to attend asked to arrive no later than 6.35pm.

Mayor of Douglas Steven Crellin will welcome those in attendance before a short service led by the Mayor's Chaplain, the Rev Michael Brydon.

Following the service, His Worship will lay a wreath on behalf of Douglas City Council at the foot of the memorial. Representatives of organisations, families and members of the public will then be invited to lay their own wreaths and floral tributes in memory.

Council Leader Councillor Devon Watson says: ‘Each year, we come together to honour the memories of those who lost their lives and to acknowledge the lasting impact it has had on survivors, families, and the wider community.

‘This annual service is an important opportunity to reflect, pay our respects and ensure that the memory of those affected continues to be honoured.’

Meanwhile, a minute's silence and memorial ceremony will be held further along the promenade at the Summerland site at 7pm.

Organiser Tina Brennen says: "As time passes, it becomes even more important that we remember. 

"Not simply because history deserves to be recorded, but because every one of those fifty lives mattered. They were not a number. 

"They were people with hopes, dreams and futures that were never realised."