World Tin Bath Championships postponed

The World Tin Bath Championships have been postponed with a provisional new date of 13 September, organisers have said.

The annual event, which attracts hundreds of visitors to Castletown, had been due to take place in the harbour on Saturday.

The spectacle sees competitors take to the water in decorated tin baths, often in fancy dress.

Organisers Castletown Ale Drinkers Society said it had been unable to secure the cover needed to meet the health and safety requirements of the event in time..

It is the first time the event has had to be postponed, although last year's event was scheduled for September due to a clash with a car rally and the need for the correct tidal conditions.

In a statement the society said it was with a "heavy heart" the event had been pushed back due to "circumstances outside of our control".

It said many vendors, local clubs and sponsors were involved in making the event happen, so the decision "wasn't made lightly".

"We are so sorry for any inconvenience caused and we will be in touch with our competitors in due course," it added.

First held in 1971, the event has raised more than £200,000 for local charities and individuals, with this year's chosen charity being Cruse Bereavement.

The male, female and veteran solo competitions see competitors paddle the 350-yard (400m) course in their homemade craft.

The contest sees the first to cross the finish line, or to have covered the furthest distance before the final vessel sinks, crowned the winner.

The event also sees teams of six tied together in inflatable rings attempt to navigate the course in the snake race challenge.

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