Summerland - 50 Years On

By: Radio Manx Ltd
  • Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright Radio Manx Ltd
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Episodes
  • Remembering Summerland - interviews with survivors
    Aug 2 2023

    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 recent weeks we've heard the detailed stories from survivors and victims' families.

    In this edition, Lewis Foster speaks to Jackie Hallam from Huddersfield who was just 12 when she escaped the Summerland fire with life-changing burns but lost her Mum and best friend in the blaze. Also, Robert Wilson who was caught in the fire during his holiday from Northern Ireland, and Tina Brennan, who witnessed the fire and has long campaigned for the victims to be appropriately remembered.

    We speak also to the Chief Minister about calls to change the verdict of 'misadventure' recorded at the inquest into the deaths.

    The podcast ends with a reading of Robert Wilson's own poem 'Embers', written in honour of those who lost their lives.

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    35 mins
  • Will they return?
    Aug 2 2023

    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 on the night of the fire that brought a distressing end to it, John Moss asks 'where is Manx tourism going?' as the current Government looks to attract half a million visitors annually to the Island.

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    25 mins
  • The Night of the Fire
    Aug 2 2023

    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 reflecting on the night of the tragedy itself. *This programme contains material that some may find distressing*

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    25 mins

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