Hundreds set to gather for Manx New Year's Dips

Hundreds of swimmers are set to gather across the Isle of Man to take part in the annual New Year's Dip and raise money for a number of local charities.

Events are scheduled on Wednesday in Douglas, Castletown, Peel, Ramsey, Port Erin, Port St Mary, Gansey and Laxey.

The event in the Manx capital has been organised by Breast Cancer Now's Isle of Man branch along with Beach Buddies, and will be held outside Queen's Pub at 13:00 GMT.

Sandy Denning, lead volunteer for Breast Cancer Now on the island, said the dip "brings the community together" and it was a "very uplifting event".

"Everyone comes out of the water smiling, screaming a bit because they are cold, but still smiling", she said, adding that it would be a great way to "reset" for 2025.

Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Lady Phillippa Lorimer will be starting the Douglas event.

Last year, 323 people took part in the dip in Douglas, and £2,300 was raised for breast cancer research.

A number of other dips will be held across the island.

Port St Mary: At 10:00, dippers will brave the Irish Sea from Chappell Beach, with another dip set to take place at 10:45 in the Port St Mary Inner Harbour for Victim Support Isle of Man

Ramsey: At 11:00, the new year's dip will be held on Ramsey Beach with funds raised going to Bunscoill Rhumsaa and Ramsey RNLI

Castletown: Also kicking off at 11:00, individuals will enter the sea from the town's outer harbour at midday

Gansey: At 11:30, a dip will be held on Gansey Beach for Victim Support Isle of Man

Peel: At 12:00, crowds will gather on Peel Beach in support of Peel Lifeboat, Multiple Sclerosis, and St. John Ambulance

Laxey: Also kicking off at 12:00, dippers will enter the sea from Laxey Beach

Port Erin: At 12:15, a fancy dress dip will be held on Port Erin Beach.

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