Skip to content

King William's College champions Manx heritage through media awards sponsorship

A historic school with deep Manx roots takes center stage in celebrating the island's creativity. From theatre to open days, its impact on local culture runs deep.

The image shows an old map of the city of Manteo, Illinois. It is a black and white image with a...
The image shows an old map of the city of Manteo, Illinois. It is a black and white image with a few buildings, trees, and people visible. At the bottom of the image, there is some text written.

King William's College champions Manx heritage through media awards sponsorship

King William's College is stepping into the spotlight as a sponsor for this year's Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence. The historic school, known for its deep ties to Manx heritage and vibrant arts scene, will support the Nurturing our Arts, Culture, and Heritage category. Principal Damian Henderson sees the awards as a vital way to celebrate the island's creative identity.

Founded nearly 200 years ago, King William's College has long been a hub for Manx culture. Its striking architecture features in literature and online, while the school's King's Court Theatre hosts everything from live screenings of West End productions to student performances. Students also perform in island groups like Scran, an orchestra recently chosen to play at the Royal Albert Hall.

The school actively engages with the community through heritage open days. Alongside Buchan School, it marks key anniversaries this year, reinforcing its role in preserving local traditions. Henderson has called the Awards for Excellence a *brilliant* platform for showcasing Manx art, language, and cuisine. After a successful experience last year, the school is eager to take part again. Beyond sponsorship, Henderson wants to *get under the skin of culture, arts, and heritage* on the island. While no other Manx schools currently contribute to the Guild's artistic programmes, King William's College and Buchan School remain standout names in the island's cultural landscape.

The sponsorship highlights the school's commitment to fostering local talent and heritage. By backing the awards, King William's College aims to put Manx creativity in the spotlight. The move also strengthens ties between education and the island's wider cultural community.

Read also: