Great family entertainment this Easter

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has a packed calendar of entertainment and leisure activities for families to enjoy throughout the Easter half term period.

Hon Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said:

‘Providing a wide range of high quality leisure and entertainment is a key objective for my Department. Whether you a wildlife enthusiast or Harry Potter fan, music lover or just looking for a fun day out at the circus, this Easter we really do have something for everyone to enjoy.’

Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre

As always, the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre is hosting lots of family entertainment. The sensational Circus of the Orient comes to the Villa Marina and will be performing every day of the Easter weekend from 6-9 April.

Music fans are in for a treat on 6 April in the Promenade Suite with the ground breaking and genre defining act Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate supported by local talents The Deadly Vipers and Ballagroove DJs.

From 7-13 April, the now iconic and ever popular MADF Easter Festival of Plays returns to the Gaiety Theatre. With one act plays from some of the best theatre groups around the UK competing for the title of Best Play.

The Easter period rounds off with the legendary local tribute to AC/DC, DC/AC rocking the Villa Marina Royal Hall on 14 April.

From today (30 March), you can now buy a family ticket, which means two adults and two children can now watch 2D films for just £20 and 3D films for £24, a saving of £1 per ticket. Perfect for the latest blockbuster The Pirates! In an adventure with scientists 3D, which screens at the Broadway Cinema throughout the half term holidays.

Also at the Broadway Cinema, soon to be cult classic Ibiza My Way or the Highway, written and directed by the Island’s own Scott Bradshaw, screens on Friday 30 and Sat 31 Mar at 9.30pm.

There is also entertainment for your young explorers with five daily sessions at the Dragon’s Castle and the always popular Dragon’s Castle Easter Party on the 9 April.

Tickets for all these events are on sale now from the Welcome Centre, on the ticket hotline on 600555 and online at villagaiety.com.

Curraghs Wildlife Park

The Curraghs Wildlife Park begins its summer season from 31st March. With new animal attractions including the European Elk and the Prairie Dogs arriving soon, a new shop and the adventure playgrounds in Close Beg, the Park is the perfect place for families to experience wildlife and have a great day out.

NSC

The NSC is packed with exciting activities for both adults and children during the Easter Holidays. The new Olmpian Pool Inflatable will be launched each Tuesday and Thursday during the holiday period.

The Pool Inflatable Dates & Times are:

(Each child must be a minimum age of 8 and be able to swim at least 25 metres confidently to use the inflatable). Arrive early as this session is very popular.

There are plenty of lane swimming sessions for the more serious swimmers and the flumes, water features and floating rafts provide the ultimate in fun, laughter and enjoyment. The NSC also provides a variety of swimming lessons during the Half Term Holidays.

In addition to swimming, the NSC provides a host of other activities including; squash, badminton, five a side football, bowls and the fitness suite.

Why not have a sauna, steam room or relax in the NSC’s Jacuzzi (adults only)?

After participating in your chosen activity, visit the NSC’s cafe and sample some of the excellent food choices on the new menu.

The NSC has also frozen many of its swimming entry prices for 2012 making your visit even greater value for money. Ask the reception staff about the discounts that are available through purchasing 10 and 5 swim saver tickets or family swim discounts.

For more information on the NSC’s programme of activities please contact reception on 688588.

SDU

The Sport Development Unit will be offering a comprehensive sports activity programme during the Easter School Holidays. All schemes are run by enthusiastic qualified coaches, and sports include: football, hockey, mountain biking, rugby, athletics disability sports sessions, netball, basketball, cricket, gym sessions, multi sport sessions, dodgeball and racquet sessions.

Sessions take place in all regions of the Island and cost between £5.50 and £15.00 depending on the duration of the scheme, ages catered for are reception to school year 10.

For further information, please contact the SDU Office on 688592 or email: enquiries@msr.dtl.gov.im

Public Transport

There are also lots of transport activities to keep the family entertained throughout Easter.

On 31 March - 1 April, it’s full steam ahead to King Williams College for the highly anticipated Wizard’s Express train and Harry Potter themed charity event.

On 4 April, the Snaefell Mountain Railway season starts. Why not grab an Easter lunch at the Summit? The Easter Bunny will also be at Laxey station on Easter Sunday, handing out chocolate eggs to passengers between 11:30 and 15:30.

7 - 8 April will see the Rush Hour on the Railways event. Three days of enhanced steam railway services, workshop tours, photo opportunities and social events such as Rail Ale trips and Rolling Stock lunchtime trains.

Camera Obscura

For the best view of Douglas Bay, the historic Camera Obscura on Douglas Head is amazing. Open for a special Easter period before the main season begins on 5 May, the Great Union Camera Obscura was built during the 1880s and is now one of only four remaining in the British Isles. Through a series of lenses and mirrors it offers spectacular views of Douglas.