More than 1,100 people flocked to Onchan gardens as 15 were opened to the public, raising £10,000 for Sight Matters and Housing Matters.
The second annual Onchan Secret Gardens, organised by Rob Callister, saw 1,184 booklets sold, with visitors enjoying freshly cooked burgers, sausages, sandwiches, cakes, and hundreds of cups of tea across the village and parish.
Mr Callister extended a thank you to all who supported the 2026 event. Special recognition was given to Sir John and Lady Lorimer for once again opening the gardens at Government House and to Chef Yohann Bonjus, who worked the BBQ.
Booklet sales were strongly supported by Kirby Garden Centre, Onchan Library, and Sight Matters while Manx Wildlife Trust opened the Onchan Wetlands, and the Onchan Silver Band provided a wonderful concert at Government House on Sunday lunchtime.
Sincere thanks were extended to all the garden owners who opened their gates. “Preparing and presenting each garden requires significant time, effort, and dedication, and their contribution was central to the success of the event”.
The success was bolstered by generous donations from Robinson’s Fresh Foods and Harrison & Garrett Butchers, while Tesco provided a raffle hamper. The Onchan Rotary Club supplied marshals, and Onchan District Commissioners prepared and opened two gardens.