Sure Beach Party line up

The line up for Friday the 1st July and the Sure beach party looks amazing! Check out what’s on – and don’t forget it’s all completely FREE!

It all kicks off from 6pm on Port Erin Beach and promises to be a great evenings entertainment.

• Sure competitions: Apple Dash – Family Quiz Games, Sandcastle Competition, Spot the Difference Game with great prizes from Sure
• SLG demo of the new LG Optimus 3D phones. There will also be vouchers to redeem in the Sure Shop when purchasing LG Optimus 3D phones
• Prize draw to win LG 3D TV
• 3FM Family Fun area: Marquee and Giant Games: Connect4, Giant Jenga, Snake & Ladders – with great giveaways from Sure
• Beach volleyball by Castletown HC
• Beach cricket by Castletown CC
• Free runners by Will Sutton
• Taste of Sailing by 7th Wave (pre-booked £25 a session)
• Try Kayaking by 7th Wave (for hire @ £10/hour)
• Rockpooling by Manx Wildlife Trust
• Fine seafood cuisine by Paddy seafood Shack and Bushy’s Beach Bar
• Live Music by Stonechase, Mr Eliminator and the Deadly Vipers, DJ Chris Sterio

Admission: FREE

Could You Cook up a Seafood Storm?

Budding chefs invited to show their skills in Queenie Festival cooking competition

Are you passionate about seafood? Do you have a flair for experimenting and creating your own dishes? If so, then you could take top honours at a Masterchef-style cook-off at the 2011 Queenie Festival (1st – 3rd July).

The festival organisers, together with the Isle of Man Seafood Development Partnership, are running a competition to find the best recipe featuring Manx Queenies, and are now encouraging the Island’s hidden culinary genuises to come forward!

With their subtle taste and succulent texture, Queenies (Queen Scallops) are a strong favourite with discerning chefs and seafood lovers far and wide. What’s more, as Manx Queenies are sustainably sourced, they leave a good taste in the mouth ethically, too.

So, to help celebrate its success, the festival wants to know your winning ways with the small but mighty scallop. From amongst the entries received, two finalists will be chosen to go head to head in a live cook-off at 4pm on Sunday, the closing day of the festival.

The judging panel consists of the renowned UK chefs and food experts who, as the festival’s very special guests, will also be giving talks and demonstrations over the weekend: Simon Wadham and Richard Kirkwood, Head Chefs at London’s Rivington and J. Sheekey respectively, and food writer/broadcaster Henrietta Green. Alastair Hamilton, head of the Seafood Development Partnership, will also be on the panel.

The judges’ final decision will be followed by a prize presentation, when the victor will claim a personalised trophy and £100 worth of Paddy’s seafood.

Sounds tempting? Entry forms are downloadable from the festival website here; alternatively, you can pick one up from Paddy’s The Quay in Port St Mary or Paddy’s at the Victoria Road, Douglas Shoprite.

The competition is open to people of all ages and abilities – the only essential is enthusiasm! In your entry, you must include: the name of your dish, full details of your methods and ingredients, and a photo of the finished dish. The recipe should take no more than thirty minutes to prepare. The closing date for entries is 20th June, at 3pm, so get cracking!

‘Royal’ Banquet by the Sea

Newly-crowned Queenies to feature in ‘Seafood Extravaganza’

For seafood lovers, the hottest upcoming ticket in town is the Seafood Extravaganza, a night of fine dining and music taking place during Port St Mary’s annual Queenie Festival (1st – 3rd July 2011).

On Saturday 2nd July, Port St Mary’s quayside will be transformed for the night by a grand marquee, where diners will be able to enjoy a delicious seafood buffet prepared by acclaimed chefs, followed by ska sounds from popular local band Bunch Skankers.

Toast of the night – and naturally featuring on the menu – will be the delicious Manx Queenie (Queen Scallop), newly-crowned with a coveted industry award.

Last week, the Manx Queenie fishery was awarded a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certificate in recognition of good management and sustainability. The accreditation, which follows a 21-month assessment, shows the Island’s commitment to protecting Queen Scallop stocks for the future.

Over the last few years, Queenies have become one of the Isle of Man’s best-known exports; prized for their subtle texture and flavour, they are now finding their way onto the menus of top restaurants.

In celebration of this, the Queenie Festival has invited a number of high profile chefs and food connoisseurs – including Simon Wadham, Head Chef at London’s Rivington, and ‘Taste the Nation’ star Henrietta Green – to give demonstrations in the quayside food theatre during the weekend.

But guests at the Seafood Extravaganza will enjoy a special chance to taste the fruits of their labour, along with those of popular local chefs, amongst the sumptuous fare on offer during the evening.

Guests will receive a complementary glass of champagne and a selection of delicate canapes upon arrival, followed by a fabulous seafood buffet, dessert and cheeseboard. Diners should have their dancing shoes on standby for the second half of the evening, when Buncha Skankers will take to the stage to perform a rousing set of non-stop ska and reggae classics. The dress code for the evening – black and white ‘smart casual’ – gives ska fans the opportunity to go ‘Two Tone’ for the night. A list of hand-picked wines will be available, and there will be a bar open throughout the night.

Tickets for the event, which runs from 7pm ’til midnight, are £30.00 per person. Seating will be on tables of ten, and corporate tables can easily be arranged.

Places are limited, however, and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so call Tim Croft on (07624) 495930 as soon as possible to claim your ticket to what will be a very special evening.

Queenie Festival 2011 dates for the diary!

We are happy to announce the dates for the 2011 Queenie Festival, following the very successful 2010 event. The three day celebration of the sea will take place on the weekend of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of July.

The festival will kick off with the Off Sure beach party on Port Erin beach on the Friday evening. Food tents hosted by celebrity chefs, live music, marine activities, beach cricket and the Off Sure dip are some of the attractions.

Day Two commences with a Marine Day in Port St Mary, in and around Alfred Pier & Paddy’s Market. Live chefs, music, Trawler racing, Kayak racing and the Viking Manx Mile are amongst the events on show. In the evening there is the Herring Dance a ticket only event with live music, as well as some of the best cuisine this side of the Atlantic!

Completing the weekend on Sunday afternoon is the second part of the Marine Day. Manx scallop dancing, traditional Manx music, more live chef action & music round off a fine weekend.

More details to follow in the coming months…

Countdown to Queenie Festival 2010

The second annual Queenie Festival is now just around the corner, bringing a weekend of fun, inspiring and unusual events in the open air…

While the hoped-for sunshine and calm seas remain in the lap of the weather gods, what is certain is that from 9th – 11th July, there’ll be a packed schedule of things for people to see and do in Port Erin and Port St Mary. Following on from last year’s festival, there will be a great mixture of sea sports, Manx heritage, wildlife, live music, children’s entertainment and plenty of delicious, fresh food throughout the weekend.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll find Beside the Seaside next weekend:

Friday 9th July
The Sure Beach Party

To celebrate their Third Anniversary of business on the Isle of Man, Sure Mobile are throwing a giant beach party in Port Erin. Amongst the attractions will be a free running display, a volleyball tournament and a chance to try diving, snorkelling, kayaking, kite surfing and sailing. After working up an appetite, partygoers can feast on fresh seafood, salads and barbecue fare, then relax with a beer from Bushy’s Beach Bar and catch live music from The Heights and Carbon Frog. Youngsters can join in a treasure hunt and sandcastle competition, while everyone will enjoy the antics of the Fairly Famous Family.

Admission: FREE.

Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th July
Marine Weekend

All weekend, the beach and harbourside in Port St Mary will be alive with a host of attractions highlighting different aspects of our marine environment and history. The Manx Wildlife Trust will return with their popular touch tanks and marine lectures, while the history of Manx fishing will be brought to life through the dramatic re-enactments of ‘Fishing into the Past’. While the MV Karina takes people on a leisurely sail from Douglas to Port St Mary, a dozen fishing vessels will battle it out in the 2010 Trawler Race. On a course which takes in Poyll Vaaish, Scarlett and Perwick, the trawlers will compete for three titles: overall winner, best-dressed crew and best-dressed boat!

Hardy open water swimmers of all ages will take to the waves for the Manx Mile, a sporting challenge unique to the Queenie Festival, and there’ll be more chances to try out some sea-going sports. And in what is most definitely a first for the Isle of Man, Quintin Gill MHK will lead a band of fellow politicians and other notables in a ‘Scallop Dance’ down to the harbour from Mount Tabor, with scallop-adorned costumes and dance steps specially created for the occasion!

Throughout both days, there’ll be a dizzying array of food and drink for hungry festivalgoers, with the emphasis proudly on local producers.

Admission: £2 for adults, children free. Proceeds to the Manx Wildlife Trust.

Party Time – Yn Daunse n Skeddan

On Saturday night, ‘Yn Daunse n Skeddan’ (The Herring Dance) returns to the Stonefield at Ballacreggan Farm. DJ Pete West, The Heights and Soul Suspects will be providing the sounds and a fantastic atmosphere is guaranteed.

Tickets priced £12.50 are available now from Paddy’s The Quay (Port St Mary), Discover Diving (Port St Mary), The Bay Hotel (Port Erin) and 7th Wave (Port Erin). Alternatively, call Tim on 495930 or Lenny on 461245.

The Hunt for the Golden Queenie

After its runaway success in 2009, the hunt for the Golden Queenie returns! Who will win the race to find the £4,000 solid gold prize? The treasure hunt is being sponsored by Celtic Gold and Jimbo’s Ice Cream. The all-important clues, to be released on Friday 2nd July, will be published on the festival website and in the programme, which will be available from various news outlets and retailers, as well as Paddy’s The Quay in Port St Mary. Alternatively, pick up a copy of next week’s Isle of Man Examiner, where the clues will also be revealed!

For general festival information, call Tim Croft on 834494 or 495930.

The Kipper Rave is back! Yn Daunse n Skeddan.

The famous Herring Dance Yn Daunse n Skeddan is back this year yessir! With two bands rocking the tent under the names of The Heights and Soul Suspects.

Its happening in a tent in the Stonefield, Ballacreggan Farm, Port St Mary on Saturday 10 July with it all going off between  7.30pm and midnight. Last years gig was completly sold out so make sure you grab your tickets quick from Paddys on the quay Port St Mary, 7th Wave Port Erin and Celtic Gold Peel. Or call Or call Tim Croft on  495930 or Lenny Conroy   461245. Price is a mere £12.50 – not bad for two bands, a great venue, top Manx Queenies and licensed bar!

No tickets will be sold on the door!

Hurry quick before they sell out!

Friday 9 July Sure beach party line up announced

Friday night on Port Erin Beach looks sure to be a great night with the Sure beach party kicking off the 2010 Isle of Man Queenie Festival.

There is going to be loads going on for young and old and the event starts off at 5.00pm so get out prompt from work and head down south for a great evening.

So here’s whats on!

5pm Stories on the beach

6pm The Sure Welcome followed by:

The Sure Beach Games – Treasure Hunt and Sandcastle competitions

Beach Volleyball

Bushy’s Beach Bar opens!

6.30pm – Samba Band

Snorkelling at the Cosy Nook rocks with Discover Diving

Sailing and Kayaking at the waters edge with 7th Wave

Food stalls open

7pm – Entertainment from the Fairly Famous Family

Live Music from the Carbon Frogs on the Sure stage

Plus loads more fun and giveaways!

Its gonna be a little cracker!

Viking Support for Sea Invasion!

Viking Office Systems become the official sponsors of the 2010 Queenie Festival open water swimming event.

If you fancy trying out open water swimming, the best opportunity this summer will be during the 2010 Queenie Festival (9th – 11th July).

On Saturday 10th July, adventurous swimmers will be taking to the waters off Port St Mary to tackle the ‘Manx Mile’ challenge.

Sponsoring the event is Viking Office Systems, the St Johns-based company which specialises in document management.

The swim is just one of the highlights of the second annual Queenie Festival, a community ‘Celebration of the Sea’ centred in Port St Mary and Port Erin.

Stan Keig, Managing Director of Viking Office Systems, explains why he decided to sponsor the Manx Mile: “I went to last year’s Queenie Festival and thought it was fantastic. Our whole family had a wonderful time. I said to (organiser) Tim Croft at the time that next year, I would support it properly.

“I was brought up in Port St Mary and used to swim across the bay, so the Manx Mile event really appeals to me personally, too.”

Organising the Manx Mile is Mark Gorry from the Isle of Man Open Water Swimming Club. Last year, Mark devised the ‘Scallop Shell Swims’ for the Queenie Festival, a series of fun, competitive swims for youngsters and adults in Gansey, Port St Mary and Port Erin Bays.

The popularity of those swims, which attracted entrants of all ages and abilities, spurred Mark on to create a new event for 2010.

This time, entrants will start at 2.30pm from Port St Mary inner harbour and follow a triangular course, which takes in Chapel Bay, before returning to the starting point. There will be classes for junior/inexperienced and senior/experienced swimmers, and participants may wear either wetsuits or swimsuits.

Stan has confirmed that as well as sponsoring the event, he will be taking part, along with his 9 year old daughter Elina, and father and daughter are currently training in the Western Swimming Pool. Stan is undeterred by the fact that the sea temperature, even in July, will be many degrees cooler than the pool, and says he will brave the sea without a wetsuit!

Viking Office Systems, established in 1994, has a long tradition of supporting events and causes in the community. The company has sponsored Douglas, Vagabonds and St Johns Rugby Clubs, as well as charities such as the Western Live at Home Scheme.

If you would like to find out more about the Manx Mile, contact Mark Gorry on (07624) 430631 or email markgorry@hotmail.com.

For more information about the 2010 Queenie Festival, visit www.queeniefestival.com. If you are interested in sponsorship, simply contact Tim Croft on (01624) 843394.

Golden Queenie is claimed!

Sarah Brown of Edremony, Port Erin, has claimed the coveted Golden Queenie, pipping fellow explorers at the post on a Port Erin beach.

The organisers of the Isle of Man Queenie Festival buried the treasure in a secret location several weeks ago, encouraging the public to discover its whereabouts with a series of teasing clues contained in the festival programme.

With an estimated value of £4,000, the hiding place of the solid gold queenie shell has been the subject of intense interest – and much digging!

The treasure trail has taken Queenie hunters far and wide over the Island, from St Trinian’s Church to the Round Table.

But yesterday (Sunday 12th July), Port Erin woman Sarah Brown dug up the prize virtually on her own doorstep: the Golden Queenie was buried on ‘Mortuary Beach’, a small, pebbly cove adjoining the main Port Erin shore.

Sarah describes the lead-up to her discovery: ‘I realised weeks ago where it was and I’d been digging, trying to find the exact spot, ever since. Everything fitted, all the clues linked up in my mind. Also, I’m quite obsessive – I’m the sort of person who counts their steps wherever they go – so I knew straightaway, for instance, how many steps there were down to the beach.’

Sarah was not the only person to pinpoint Mortuary Beach as the Queenie hotspot; she estimates that there were around 30 people digging at the site, and 6 at the time of her discovery – leaving few stones unturned!

‘I must have spent about 40 hours digging – I’ve given myself a bad back! I’d dug these huge, deep trenches but the Queenie was buried in quite shallow ground. I just scraped some sand away from one of my trenches and there it was, right next to where I’d already been digging.

‘When I found it, I couldn’t stop screaming and pointing! I was so excited.’

How did the other treasure hunters react? ‘Other people on the beach were telling me to pick it up. Everyone came and huddled round and one woman said I deserved it, because I’d spent so many hours digging’.

On that day, Sarah was digging on her own but on other occasions, her young son was a willing helper. She says ‘He’s really excited too. I’m going to buy him a present for helping me’.

Sarah has yet to claim the actual Golden Queenie: buried in the sand was a tupperware box with a yellow painted Queenie shell and a code number, which Sarah had to quote to the festival organisers to verify her find. She will now receive her prize at a special presentation, to be announced soon.

Apart from winning the prize, Sarah says that one of the best things about the challenge has been the other treasure hunters: ‘I’ve never met so many new people as I have in the last few weeks; it’s been fantastic’.

Festival organiser Tim Croft, of Island Seafare, says, ‘The hunt for the Golden Queenie has captured the public imagination. People have been researching and discovering things they never knew about the Isle of Man. What’s also been great is that it’s got people out and about, seeing new places, meeting people they know and having a yarn!’

The discovery of the Golden Queenie, which was donated by Celtic Gold of Peel, brings the hugely successful Queenie Festival to a close for another year.

Saturday 4th July – Marine Day & Yn Daunse n Skeddan’

Marine Day 2009 builds on the success of last year’s event where thousands came out despite the rain for what was a fantastic Day in Port St Mary. This year’s event starts at 11am and has the extremely popular marine touch tanks, courtesy of Manx Wildlife Trust, for kids and adults to get up close with the fish and plant species that live in the surrounding sea. Around the touch tanks will be a whole host of events, stalls, live music and competitions.

This year also sees the return of the Port St Mary Trawler race! Prizes are on offer for a time trial and also the best dressed boat which I bet will be worth the trip to Port St Mary in themselves.

Again there will be cooking and seafood preparation demonstrations as well as plenty of food available for you to enjoy throughout the day. The Lifeboat, Barrule Fisheries Vessel, Coastguard, 7th Wave and Manx Wildlife Trust will all be there giving you a chance to interact and maybe get involved with.

It really will be a great family day out and if last year’s is anything to go by it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing.

Yn Daunse n Skeddan’ or The Herring Dance starts at 8pm in the Stone Field in Port St Mary and goes on till late. For those of you that don’t know the Stone Field, it is at the cross roads by Port St Mary School. This is just a good old fashioned knees up; licensed bar, live music and a great laugh. Those of you that remember the Stone Field doos from the past will be able to vouch for how good these nights are and I’m sure there’ll be many Stone Field veterans there on the night. Bunch of Skankas & The Tholtan Builders are providing the entertainment so not one to be missed!

Next Page »