Join in with the Christmas spirit in Castletown today

Christmas officially arrives in the Island's ancient capital today.

An afternoon of fun and festivities will begin at 1pm as Castle Rushen opens to the public.

There will also be seasonal music, refreshments and festive decorations, courtesy of the castle staff and the Friends of Manx National Heritage.

The festivities will continue in Castletown Square with Christmas markets, entertainment from local school choirs and dancers, Hello Little People, Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band and some of the cast from this year’s Gaiety pantomime, The Wizard of Oz.

Father Christmas will also be travelling to Castletown by sleigh from the North Pole to join in with the sing-along before the lights are switched on, led by the Castletown Carnival Queen, at 6pm.