Steam Packet confirms Manxman 'welcome ceremony' this weekend

The Island's newest vessel Manxman will be publicly welcomed to her home port on Sunday.

The Steam Packet says due to 'restricted access on the quayside' the ceremony will be live-streamed to a screen on Douglas Head - to 'give the public the best view.'

The Manxman is built to replace the Ben-my-Chree Heysham route, but will make weekend visits to Liverpool in the winter.

Those invited on Sunday include crew members, politicians, representatives of the travel industry, media and some charities.
 
A small group of VIP guests including the Chief Minister, Treasury Minister, Board and Executive of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and representatives of Hyundai Heavy Industries will be invited for a private tour of the vessel and to meet the captain.

 The public will also be able to watch presentations broadcast from the car deck explaining the history of the project, the delivery voyage from Korea to Southampton and an insight into the art commissioned for the boat.

In the evening, the Manxman will steam out in to the bay, followed by a fireworks display.

Details will also be given on how to enter a draw to win tickets for Manxman’s maiden service voyage, scheduled for later this month.

With demand for the sailing likely to be high, IOMSPC has reserved one hundred return foot passenger tickets to give the travelling public a chance to be a part of this momentous occasion.

Timings for the day

11:15 Speeches and champagne bottle breaking

12:30 Build and delivery keynote speeches

22:30 Fireworks and Manxman sail by