Balloons, bunting, streamers and a celebratory cake turned an art exhibition into a birthday party.

The Mannin Art Group opened their annual art exhibition in St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey last week, and they used the occasion to also celebrate their 7oth anniversary.

The exhibition was opened by Tynwald president Steve Rodan OBE, who also helped the chair of the arts society, Michelle Quayle, to cut the celebratory cake.

Many of the artists who have displayed their work were there to help celebrate the occasion, including the Ramsey-based artist and regular Mannin Art exhibitor Michele Tramantana and the popular watercolour landscape painters David Byrne, Nancy Corkish and Peter Lloyd-Davies.

Club secretary Pam Jacobsen said the exhibition was a great way to celebrate the art group’s anniversary.

’The opening night was fantastic and, with the balloons and the party bunting, there was a great, happy atmosphere.

’It felt just like a birthday party, and not just an exhibition. Everyone seemed to be in the mood to celebrate.

’Quite a few pictures were sold too, so it was a good night all round.’

The exhibition remains open until Saturday, August 3, and there is still the chance to nominate your choice for the winning painting.

The ’Best in Show’ will be decided by a public vote, with the winning painting being announced on Saturday afternoon.