Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

Mozza and H drop down to the Villa Marina to talk about the season of 1955 which featured both the last appearance of Joe Loss - and the first of Ivy Benson and her all girl band!

In this special programme for Remembrance Sunday, John Moss reflects on war and conflict down the years and also the current conflicts around the world.

Howard Caine investigates ‘whatever happened to Bonfire Night?’ in a one off special, asking if we really do ‘Remember Remember the 5th of November’

The nights are getting darker... which can mean only one thing - it's Spooky Season! This time, Siobhan 'FrightNight' Fletcher gets a crash-course in all things Hop-tu-Naa as she takes a deep dive into the traditions and festivities that make up this quintessentially Manx holiday. She'll be dragging Lewis Foster along for the ride, as they follow fearless leaders Beth Espey and Chr...

The nights are getting darker... which can mean only one thing - Spooky Season! Siobhan 'FrightNight' Fletcher gets us in the mood for Hop Tu Naa, as she takes us on some ghostly tours of the Island led by Guide to the Dark Side, Alan Shaw.

Aidan Forbes, who retired to the Isle of Man a number of years ago, was serving with the second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in 1982 and sailed with the Task Force from Portsmouth to the Falkland Islands. Here’s a second chance to listen to Aidan share his story with Chris Pearson. This programme was first broadcast in June 2022 to mark the 40th anniversary of the surrender of Argenti...

Astronomer Howard Parkin chats once again with Christy DeHaven , to give our next seasonal insight into the astronomical events we can look forward - and up! - to in our night skies. Autumn brings eclipses, meteors and the potential for life from other planets... 

2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Post Office and to celebrate the occasion, Christy DeHaven and Judith Ley have combined creative forces to bring you this special programme.  With the help of some willing contributors - and the assistance of archivist Tim Price - we’ve gathered some first class memories from some of those who have worked with and for the Isle of Man Po...

Lewis Foster explores how a story of an apparent altercation between a drag queen and school student on the Isle of Man took flight and spread across the pages and panel shows of the UK media.

After 40 years as the Island's trusted weather man, retiring senior meteorological officer Adrian Cowin shares his memories with Chanelle Sukhoo - the highs and the lows, the calm and the turbulence! Find out all about his journey and whether he'll still be weather-obsessed now he's retired...

This year sees the 150th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Steam Railways.  In this new, 3 part series, Mike Buttell has been looking back at the history and development of this extraordinary line of transport.

It's a constitutional right, but do politicians take Tynwald petitioners seriously? We hear from those who put their rights to the test at this year's event, with Lewis Foster.

✨ Our Summer Skies at Night - the 2nd in our seasonal look at the wonders up above.  🌔 From silver clouds to astronomical tourism, Astronomer Howard Parkin and visiting Dark Skies journalist Megan Eaves chat with Christy DeHaven about the Island's many varied celestial offerings, encouraging us to look up at the Night Sky and see the wonders on view at this time of year. 💫

In this archive documentary, we look back at the visit of King George VI to Tynwald Day in 1945.

Over the coming days the weather is looking excellent, but when conditions are less favourable, how difficult is it to predict the weather at TT? With a course over 37 miles in length, that ranges from practically sea level to the highest points of the Island. In this extended podcast, Ben Hartley takes a trip to the Ronaldsway Met Office to find out what life is like for the team during TT fortni...

Geraldine Jamieson in conversation with Coronation Street actor Bill Roach (full interview). This was first broadcast in 2002.

✨ "Discovering our Dark Skies", an Island Life Special. 🌔 From meteors to aurora and constellation folklore, Astronomer Howard Parkin chats with Christy DeHaven about the Island's many varied celestial offerings, encouraging us to look up at the Night Sky and see the wonders on view at this time of year, as we celebrate Dark Skies Discovery Week. 💫

In discussion with Mark Hepworth of Abbey Dental and Simon Hearnshaw, a Coordinator of the National Community Water Fluoridation Network in the UK.

Maurice Powell talks to Mandy Griffin, one of the finest singers the Island has produced, a multi-Cleveland Medal winner at the Guild and the recently appointed musical director of the Isle of Man Choral Society, about her mother JOAN HUNTLEY and her two surviving diaries from the 1950s which give us a fascinating glimpse in to the life of a teenager in Douglas during the vibrant post-war boom in...

Budget 2023 is now a week behind us.  But is it possible that the Treasury, in the face of changing finances, will have to revisit the budget box later this year? And what benefits did Dr Allinson give you...and you...and you in his 30 minute speech. Alex's elixir? or a dose of unpleasant tasting medicine to sort out the Island's finances?  John Moss considers the pros and cons.&...

What IS 'Love'? In this Valentine's Day special programme, Christy DeHaven takes a look at what love means through the generations and through the decades - from young hopefuls using online apps to couples celebrating 50+ years of marriage And what would YOU do if your knicker elastic snapped in the cloakroom?! Katie King from Manx National Heritage gives a sneak peak in to the diary o...

Reflecting back on a very popular and successful Young Singer of Mann competition, held recently over two days at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin. 

Highlights from a wonderful celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cleveland Medal Test - the highest prize awarded annually to the best adult voice in that year's Guild - our treasured Manx Music Festival. Hear 20 medal winners forming a unique 'Cleveland Choir' and listen to reflections from Margaret Summerscales, Ernie Thorne, Paul Costain, Barbara Gale, Allan Wilcocks, Kath Co...

Astronomer Howard Parkin gives an insight into the astronomical events we can look forward - and up! - to in our night skies this year. We also hear from Astronaut Nicole Stott and husband (& proud Manxman) Chris , who runs the satellite and space industry company ManSat . They reflect on what it means to have the unique vantage point of looking back on earth from the stars that we look up to.

‘Stories from the Sea’ – a look at the increasingly popular obsession of plunging into the big blue. Often referred to as “cold water therapy”, just how therapeutic is it, really?  Christy DeHaven speaks to regular dippers, experts and members of the Island’s medical community to find out more.  If you’re feeling inspired to dive in, please do st...