UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man events update

As we stay at home and stay safe, a number of events planned by UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man are off or postponed.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: 'The Isle of Man had been due to host the biannual meeting of the UK and Ireland Man and the Biosphere Committee in late April and show officials from the UK Commission for UNESCO and seven UK and Ireland Biospheres around our Island, introducing them to our nature, culture, heritage and food and drink.

'Sadly, the meeting was called off due to the restrictions imposed on us by Covid-19. We last hosted the meeting in 2016 and hope to be chosen as hosts in the future.'

The Minister continued: 'Our Mannin Quilters' wall-hangings exhibition that was making its way round the Island is also halted, although we hope to find a permanent display space for the hangings, depicting life in our six sheadings. The Covid situation also brought a premature end to the fabulous Biosphere Fibrefest that was running alongside the display at Laxey Woollen Mills.

'I thank all the venues that assisted us.'

'Manx Wildlife Week (7th to 17th May) was postponed until later in the year. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture was due to run a number of walks and talks and our Biosphere event was a talk by Dr Clem Fisher on Birds and their Place in Culture. We hope to rearrange the talk,' the Minister continued.

'Our second Biosphere Lecture, a highlight of our calendar, was provisionally scheduled for 24th June but will now hopefully be held later in the year.

'And, of course, we will miss catching up with you in person at the summer agriculture shows and September's Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, which are off for this year.

'Please keep an eye on this website for updates and, in the meantime, stay safe.'

Follow Isle of Man Government guidance on Covid-19 via www.gov.im/coronavirus