The Isle of Man marks 50 years since the Summerland disaster


Hundreds of people have attended memorials across the Isle of Man commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Summerland tragedy.

A total of 50 people died and another 80 were seriously injured after a fire tore through what was supposed to be 'the jewel of seaside resorts' on 2 August 1973.

The fire killed 50 people. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Summerland was billed as the biggest and best in holiday entertainment when it opened in May 1971.

But, when a discarded cigarette sparked a fire which quickly spread through the building, thousands were left trapped inside as plastic and fire rained down.

No one has officially been held responsible for the disaster, and it has continued to spark a sense of injustice and a divide among those on the island and those involved.

The divide is reflected in two separate memorial services, being held just metres apart.

The government, the local council and some of the survivors will be at the Kaye Memorial Garden in Douglas, about 100 metres from the Summerland site.

But there are others who have decided they want to meet on the site itself, choosing to commemorate those who died at the place they lost their lives.

Tina Brennan, an eye witness and campaigner, said: "From my perspective that memorial in the Kaye Gardens is a nice memorial but nobody was killed in the Kaye Gardens, so why is it there?"

The memorial at the Kaye Gardens was unveiled on the 40th anniversary when the Summerland site was still derelict.

Many survivors want the memorial to be moved to the site of the disaster and for the government to "do the right thing".

"They wanted to sell it, they hoped that they had a buyer to buy it, that fell through and are left with the situation we have now where they still want money for that site," continued Ms Brennan.

"That site is the death place for 50 people and you cannot get away from it. To be honest, it’s a debt outstanding for 50 years and its time it was repaid."


Some survivors of Summerland had their own memorial at the site. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

At the car park of the Summerland site, a minute's silence was held at 7pm on Wednesday 2 August accompanied by Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums.

Meanwhile, people came to pay tribute to those who died with floral wreaths and bouquets.

For many attendees, emotions were high as they remembered the 50 who died.

Jackie Hallam, survivor and campaigner, attended the memorial on the Summerland site.

She said: "The first time I came in May, it was really traumatic for me. It hasn't felt quite as panicky for me this time. I've been able to be here and take it in a little more.

"The memory of Summerland will never go away for me, that's with me lifelong but as well as that I would really like to shut this back down in a box again but I can't because I've still got work to do.

"That verdict will not stand as death by misadventure as long as I'm here."


The government's memorial service at Kaye Gardens included a speech thanking survivors for their 'bravery', followed by prayers by Father Andrew Coleman and a minute's silence.

Father Coleman paid tribute to "the 50 people who died in the horror of the Summerland fire."

He added: "Let us remember them and not forget, let us remember united in grief and hope and love."

The service was attended by emergency services, including the police and Isle of Man fire and rescue.

Summerland survivor Ruth McQuillan-Wilson began reading the names of some of those who died, as attendees listened in silence.

Other survivors and elected representatives also came up to the stand to read out the names.

The service ended as the Chief Minister and others at the service laid wreaths at the memorial.

Emergency services were in attendance. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Across the week of the anniversary, several other events have taken place across the island to pay tribute.

An exhibition titled "Summerland 50 - remembering the future exhibition" has been taking place at the Loch Promenade Church to highlight the tragedy and explore the years before and after with photography, art and music.

The site has also been lit up at 10pm in the days leading up to and including the anniversary.