Programmes and archive audio looking back at the development of the Summerland complex, the horrific disaster and it's aftermath and the wider effects to survivors, the Manx public and Manx Tourism.
Latest episodes
-
35 min
Remembering Summerland - interviews with survivors
Today (2 August) marks fifty years since the devastating fire at the Summerland leisure centre on Douglas promenade, during which 50 people died and around 80 were injured. In rece…
-
25 min
Will they return?
In the final part of a special series reflecting back on "Summerland - 50 Years on", looking at how tourism led to the building and development of the complex and also reflecting o…
-
25 min
The Night of the Fire
50 years ago, on August 2nd 1973, a fire at the Summerland Complex in Douglas claimed 50 lives. This is the second in a special series presented by John Moss, with this programme r…
-
25 min
The Road to Summerland
In the autumn of 1968 construction started on a huge holiday complex on the Derby Castle site at the north end of Douglas Promenade, and was to be called Summerland. But why did th…
-
31 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
Compilation of reports and interviews. Includes News report morning after (Peter Kneale), with Chief Constable Statement, Alan Jackson on site report , Announcements, brief stateme…
-
13 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
More of Alan Jackson’s live report – PLEASE NOTE: audio ends suddenly, mid-phrase.
-
7 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
Manx Radio Broadcast, 3/8/1973 – Chief Constable Frank Weedon’s statement, Alan Jackson’s live report
-
3 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
Mary Clague – sister at Nobles, discussing her memories of treating people injured in the fire.
-
3 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
Henry Callow – discussing the identification of bodies, the inquests, and the formal inquiry.
-
5 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
Ken Harding – worked at Summerland, discussing his role in trying to fight the fire, evacuating people from the building, and structural issues that made the fire as bad as it was…
-
23 min
Summerland Memorial - 2006
In late September 2006 - 33 years after the fire - Bishop Graeme Knowles (at that time the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man) organised a memorial service on the Summerland site, to mar…
-
7 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
0’00” – 1’45” Chief Const. Frank Weedon, 1’45” – 1’58” News reader’s link, 1’59” – end Alan Jackson reports from the scene.
-
4 min
Summerland Fire Archive - Interviews from the time
Roger Payne - Police officer on duty, recalling his role in the events on the night, and in helping identify the bodies
-
52 min
Summerland: National Service of Remembrance
The National Service of Remembrance for the 50th Anniversary of the Summerland Tragedy. The service was held at St George's Church, Douglas on Sunday 30th July 2023.
-
38 sec
Summerland; The Full Story - Coming Soon
50 Years on from the disastrous fire, John Moss explores Summerland; The Full Story in a special three part series.