Peel Commissioners progressing £26,000 beach stage for summer trial

Local authority says it will go ahead if grant funding can be secured

Plans for a stage on Peel Beach are being progressed by the commissioners for a summer trial. 

However, the local authority confirmed this will be subject to grant funding from the Domestic Event Fund in the Department for Enterprise. 

The overall cost of the project will be £26,000 and includes the cost of the stage and associated infrastructure. 

Commissioner Sharon Lambert said no sponsorships for the stage had been sought, and to reduce costs no seating would be installed around the area.

As part of the trial, local business Mannin Music will look after the booking system and arrange acts for the stage. 

Mrs Lambert also said they are looking after the licenses for the stage, and is currently looking at being up and running in June – the week before TT and will finish in July.

She added that local groups including the youth club and both schools had been approached to see if they would be interested in using the stage.

The beach stage has been a point of controversy in the town after a row broke out over whether or not a vote was taken in support of the idea.

It’s hoped that the new stage will encourage development in the town and attract new visitors.