Christmas parade in Douglas aims to boost the village following a difficult 2019

A CHRISTMAS parade is being organised to raise spirits in the community following the devastating Douglas car park fire.

Marie Piper is at the helm of the initiative celebrating all that is great about Douglas taking place on December 1 at 2pm.

She is hoping that everyone will get on board to bring some cheer back into the community. Her efforts come almost three months after Douglas Village Shopping Centre's car park was ravaged by fire.

While the demolition of the car park is currently underway the shopping centre is not set to open until later next year.

Marie said she hopes that the Christmas parade will help the local economy during a very difficult time.

" It's been terribly bleak around the village. We want to bring a bit of life back into Douglas," she said. "The hope is that by having this parade we can bring the people of Douglas back together again."

Those taking part in the showcase will include Nicky's Dance Studio, the Montforts Stage School and singer Jean Elliot.

Marie said she is feeling very positive about the event.

"People are going to turn up, take part but most importantly remember everything that is great about Douglas."

The parade will coincide with the switching on of the Douglas Christmas lights.

Additionally, Marie and her team will be crowning an honourary prince and princess of Douglas to lead the parade in a horse and carriage. She is also inviting traders affected by the Douglas Car Park fire to advertise free of charge at the event.

"The more people we can get to walk in this parade, the better," she said. Hopefully, it will be a great day for the kids too."

The blaze in the multi-storey car park destroyed a number of vehicles. Smoke from the fire and water from firefighting efforts also damaged stores within the building.