‘Summerland: The Forgotten Disaster’ tells the story of survivors, bereaved families and eyewitnesses, still feeling the lasting effects of the fire 50 years on from the tragedy.
Manx.News spoke to ITV’s Joshua Stokes, who was the journalist behind the special report:
The documentary by Granada Television explores the Summerland disaster in the Isle of Man and has now launched on ITVX.
Summerland
It begins by outlining why the leisure complex was originally built, followed by an elaborate account of the night of the fire, told by those who were there.
Joshua Stokes followed Jackie Hallam’s journey back to the island, as she makes a traumatic return to the Summerland site – the first in 50 years.
The second half of the documentary focuses on the lingering injustice felt by some who believe the catastrophe has never truly been recognised.
An inquiry into the Summerland fire concluded that a number of ‘human errors’ led to the blaze, but ‘no villains’ were singled out.
Stokes shortlisted for RTS award
On the back of his work, Joshua has been nominated for an award by the Royal Television Society (RTS).
The Granada Reports ITV reporter has been shortlisted in the ‘Emerging Young Talent of the Year’ category at the Journalism Awards 2024.
Adrian Wells, chair of the RTS Television Journalism Awards, said: “It has been an extraordinary year for broadcast journalism and the RTS is looking forward to recognising the achievements of the media industry in the United Kingdom.
“Journalists have excelled in bringing attention to important issues and events across the UK and also internationally where conflict has tragically defined the year.”
The ceremony will take place on February 28.
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