Manx Singer and actress Sam Barks presented prizes to winners of a photography competition organised in support of opposition to the proposed Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm.
The East Coast Seascapes Photo Competition, organised by Jennifer Smith, Dave Fletcher and Sharon Holloway on behalf of the NOT4IOM residents’ campaign, attracted almost 200 entries from across the Isle of Man during August.
Barks, a longtime supporter of the campaign group, attended the prize-giving ceremony at Laxey Beach Café on Sunday (October 4) as guest of honour.
Beautiful Coastline
Speaking at the event, she said: “When I heard about this competition, I thought I would absolutely love to be here to celebrate the incredible work that people have done.
“This beautiful coastline is something me and my family have never ever taken for granted.”
Organisers said the competition was intended to highlight the east coast seascapes they believe could be affected by the proposed offshore wind farm development.
Jennifer Smith said the competition was inspired by the songs Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell and Where Do the Children Play? by Cat Stevens, adding that organisers wanted people to consider what they described as the impact the turbines could have on the island’s seascapes, ecosystem and economy.
First prize and £300 went to Daniela Apostella for Charlie’s View Ballafayle in Maughold.
Colin Moore was awarded second prize for Queens Pier at Sunrise, while Beckie Williams took third place for Looking from Douglas Head. A highly commended award was presented to Dave Rielly for Laxey Beach.
All prizes were kindly donated by Laxey Beach Café and Odin Brewery.
The winning photographs will be displayed at Ramsey Swimming Pool Café over the next month.
